#Nassau, February 21, 2019 – Bahamas – The Ministry of Health is advising of an ongoing
investigation by the public health team into a suspected case of measles in a
four (4) year old child visiting The Bahamas.
On 18th February, 2019 the Ministry was
notified of a child which presented to a private health care facility in New
Providence with fever, red eyes, coryza and rash. The parents gave a recent history of travel
from Europe and a vaccination history for the child which did not include the
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) immunization.
The child is receiving required care, is doing well and is expected to
recover fully. Results from tests taken
are expected to be available within the next few days, at which time the
Ministry will provide an update.
Measles is an acute viral illness transmitted by
respiratory droplets. The illness is characterized
by the onset of fever (as high as 105°F) and malaise, cough, coryza, and
conjunctivitis, followed by a distinctive rash referred to as a “maculopapular
rash”. The rash spreads from head to chest and body
then to lower extremities. Measles is usually a mild or moderately severe
illness. However, measles can result in complications such as pneumonia,
encephalitis, and death. A rare
long-term sequelae of measles virus infection is subacute sclerosing
panencephalitis (SSPE), a fatal disease of the central nervous system that
generally develops 7–10 years after infection.
Measles is a vaccine preventable illness. Childhood immunization with the MMR vaccine
has proven effective in preventing measles.
The Bahamas, has not had a case of measles since 1997 and has been certified
measles free. Like many countries in the
region of the Americas however, due to increasing numbers of refusals of
vaccines and declining national coverage in vaccines, including the MMR vaccine,
the risk of transmission of this preventable illness is increasing.
In response, the Ministry is currently conducting a
campaign targeting all children ten years and younger as well as front line
workers such as Police, Customs and Immigration Officers, Health Care Workers
and Hospitality industry workers. The
aim is to increase the national MMR coverage in children and persons at highest
risk for exposure.
Parents are reminded to ensure children present for
scheduled immunizations to keep them protected from preventable illnesses such
as measles.
Additionally, should you, your child or any one you know experience symptoms, seek medical care from your primary care provider or nearest community clinic.
Press Release: Ministry of Health