The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a measles case in a young unvaccinated child on Oʻahu. The child, under five years old, recently returned from an international trip with their parents. After the trip, they developed symptoms including fever, cough, and a rash. The child is currently recovering at home. Another household member is being evaluated for potential measles infection, displaying similar symptoms.
DOH is investigating this case to trace potential exposure pathways and is directly informing those known to have been in contact with the infected individual. Flight notifications have been issued concerning the airlines and airports used in this case. The public is advised of exposure risks at certain locations during specific times.
“Measles is one of the most highly contagious viruses in the world,” the DOH emphasized. It spreads through direct contact with an infected person or via airborne particles when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Those infected can transmit the virus from four days before to four days after the rash appears. In enclosed spaces, the virus can linger for up to two hours after an infected person departs.
Measles symptoms typically begin seven to 14 days after exposure and include a fever over 101°F, runny nose, coughing, and watery eyes. The characteristic rash usually appears three to five days after the initial symptoms, spreading from the face to the rest of the body.
Vaccination remains the best defense against measles. Children should receive two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, with the first at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years. Adults born post-1957 should confirm at least one MMR vaccination or proof of immunity. Those at higher exposure risk may need a second dose.
In the event of exposure without protection, individuals should contact their healthcare provider promptly. If reaching their provider proves difficult, they can contact the DOH Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586 or the Disease Investigation Branch at 808-586-8362. Treatment consists mainly of managing symptoms and complications.
For vaccine locations, visit https://www.vaccines.gov/en/. Additional information is available on the DOH and CDC measles information websites.