Health District confirms 3 additional measles cases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 27, 2015

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District has identified three additional cases of measles. The cases, in adults under the age of 55, are considered to be the result of transmission from an under-immunized staff member at Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino earlier in February. The new cases are two staff members and a patron.

One of the staffers was potentially contagious while working shifts beginning at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18, Thursday, Feb. 19, Friday, Feb. 20, and Saturday, Feb. 21. One of the newly identified cases also visited a Walgreens clinic/drugstore at 2389 E. Windmill Lane, Las Vegas between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 22, and a Chili’s Grill & Bar, 7530 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas between 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 22. The Health District is advising anyone who was at these locations during these times to review their immunization status against measles if they have not already had the disease. In addition, they should contact their health care provider if they develop rash with fever or other symptoms consistent with measles within 21 days after their visit. It is recommended that anyone with symptoms contact a health care provider’s office before entering a health care facility to allow the staff to make appropriate arrangements to ensure the illness is not spread.

The new cases bring to nine the number of confirmed measles cases in Clark County in 2015; these are the first confirmed cases in Southern Nevada since 2011. Previously, the health district has confirmed measles in an infant too young to have received the immunization and who is believed to be the source case for the initial Emeril’s Fish House staff member; a young child who received a single dose of vaccine; a fully immunized adolescent; an unvaccinated adult; and an adult whose immunization status is not known.

Measles is a highly contagious illness and is circulating in the community. The Health District encourages everyone to review his/her immunization status and get vaccinated if necessary. Measles can be spread among susceptible people and can result in serious infections resulting in pneumonia, encephalitis, seizures, and death. Most residents are protected against the disease because the majority of people born before 1957 had the disease in childhood and younger people are routinely vaccinated against it.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.