Measles has now been diagnosed in Missouri for the second time this year. The case is in an out-of-state resident who visited the St. Louis Aquarium between 1-6 p.m. on April 30. Additionally, the individual ate at a restaurant in St. Louis on the same day, but available details of this visit have been extremely limited thus far. Because measles is highly contagious, those who may have had exposures at the St. Louis Aquarium during the time the person visited and who are unvaccinated or are immunocompromised should consider post-exposure prophylaxis. This is usually only an effective preventive treatment within six days of exposure (by May 6), which means you need to contact your doctor or your local public health agency NOW to receive help before the treatment's efficacy cut-off, which is tomorrow.
With the first case of measles we had in the state, there was no evidence of widespread public exposure, so we said there was no need to panic. You still do not need to panic even though this instance took place in a much more populated area. If you do the right things to protect yourself and your family, there is generally no reason to be concerned. However, people who are not vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) should consult their physician about getting the best protection possible against this potentially deadly disease.
On the fence? Here are some quick facts:
-One dose is equal to 93% lifetime protection.
-Both doses add up to 97% lifetime protection.
-Herd immunity is achieved when 95% of a community is protected.
-People who can't be vaccinated due to age or compromised immune systems rely on herd immunity to stay safe.
-MO is officially below herd immunity standards.
More information about measles and county-level MMR vaccination rates can be found at Health.Mo.Gov/measles.
