The Ministry of Health and Human Services wishes to remind the public to remain alert for the signs and symptoms of measles, especially during travel outside of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). While there are no cases of measles in the TCI, there are pockets of outbreaks in neighbouring countries. It is also very easy for measles to be imported from other regions through travel. To date, the Region of the Americas has reported a total of twenty-seven (27) confirmed cases of Measles in five (5) countries, eighteen (18) of these cases are in the United States. Measles is a highly infectious disease. Its symptoms are as follows:
- running nose
- cough
- red and watery eyes
- small white spots inside the cheeks
The rash begins about 7–18 days after exposure, usually on the face and upper neck. It spreads over about 3 days, eventually to the hands and feet. It usually lasts 5–6 days before fading.
Measles is transmitted by airborne droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat of an infected person. The virus can stay active and contagious in the air or on surfaces for two hours.
If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected. Measles is so contagious that one person infected by measles can infect nine out of 10 of their unvaccinated close contacts. The period when a person is infectious and can spread the virus is within 7 to 10 days of exposure but can be up to 14 days. Measles can cause severe disease, complications, and even death.
Unvaccinated people are at highest risk of measles and its complications, including death. Anyone who has not been vaccinated or was vaccinated but did not develop immunity can become infected. The number one way of preventing measles is through vaccination with the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The measles vaccine has been in use for over 50 years. It is safe and highly effective.
The Turks and Caicos Islands has maintained high immunization coverage, over 90%, in the MMR vaccine. The last reported case of measles in the TCI was in 1991. Although, we have good immunity in the TCI, persons who are not protected are at an increased risk of contracting the virus. We encourage parents of children traveling during the Easter and summer holidays to ensure that their children’s vaccines are up to date. Being vaccinated is the best way to prevent getting sick with measles or spreading it to other people. The vaccine is safe and helps your body fight off the virus. Vaccines are offered free of cost to all children at government operated primary care facilities across the TCI.
For more information, please contact the Public Health Nurses on telephone numbers: 338-5474; 338-5470 or 946-5613 or, you may contact your local health care provider. Keep up to date by checking the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth.
Help us keep TCI measles free, protect yourself and your loved ones from measles! #GETVAX BECAUSE #VACCINESWORK
