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Oh no!  The Centers for disease control and Prevention (CDC) is warning us physicians to remain alert for symptoms of measles.

Yes, this was once considered an “eliminated” infection.  But, as of May 30, 2014, a total of 334 confirmed measles cases has occurred over 18 states.  Measles is blossoming due to the importation of the disease from other countries AND an increasing number of U.S. parents who choose not to immunize their children with the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine.

What should you watch out for?

• Fever.
• Red, splotchy rash that typically starts at the hairline and then moves down behind the ears and across the face.  Then it spreads over the rest of the body.

Treatment?

• Isolation is key!
• There is no antiviral treatment.
• Medical care consists of symptom relief and prevention of bacterial infections on top of the measles.
• The most common serious complication of measles is pneumonia.

Want more information?  http://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20140609measles.html