Diseases from several places on the Big Island due to infected visitors: Big Island Now

The State Laboratory Division of the Hawaii Department of Health confirmed a case of honeydew in an elderly guest on O'ahu.After the guest became ill, he received medical attention and is now recovering at a private home on O'ahu.

Measles can be spread from different parts of the Big Island due to infected hosts

The Hawaii State Department of Health's National Laboratory Division confirmed a case of measles in an adult tourist who traveled to Oahu for vaccination and who also visited the Big Island, thereby spreading the risk of exposure.

The country's Ministry of Health is investigating the case to identify those who may have been infected and working together to prevent the spread of the infection.

The visitor had recently arrived in Hawai'i from an area on the mainland where measles is known to be widespread.

After arriving on the islands, the visitor became ill, sought medical attention and is currently recovering at a private home on O'ahu.

State hygienists warn the public that exposure to measles is possible for anyone who visits the following locations during the specified times.

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

- from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.February 26: Gate and baggage claim area.

- 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.March: Terminal 1 check-in, security and gates A.

- from 8:30 to 23:00.March 4: Departure and baggage claim area.

Laie Mormon Castle

- from 16:30 to 21:00 February 27.

Hilo International Airport

- 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March: Gate change, luggage collection.

- Time 6:30 - 9:30 pm March 4: Check-in; security and gate location.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

- Noon to 6:00 p.m. March 3: Visitor Center, other attractions.

Hilo Siam Thai Restaurant

- 5 to 9 p.m.March 3

Flight alerts have been issued for airlines and airports where a confirmed infected traveler has traveled.

State health officials are also reaching out directly to people who may have had contact with the visitor, as well as issuing a medical advisory to health care providers across the state.

Anyone in the above positions on the dates and times specified advises:

- Haven't you been vaccinated?If you have never had a measles vaccine – either the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine;measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine against chicken pox (MMRV);or a measles vaccine available in other countries – you may be at risk of getting measles.Anyone who has been exposed to measles and is considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact a healthcare provider immediately.Measles vaccine or immunoglobulin can be given to prevent measles if given soon after exposure.

- Be careful.Monitor for symptoms for up to 3 weeks after last exposure.

- Immune deficiency?People with diseases that suppress the immune response should contact their healthcare provider if they have questions or have symptoms.

- Have you already been vaccinated?If you have received two doses of the measles vaccine or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.

- Another dose?If you only received one dose of the measles vaccine, you are more likely to be protected and your risk of getting measles from any of these side effects is very low.However, to obtain full immunity, contact your health care provider about receiving a second dose of the vaccine.

If you notice symptoms of measles, take the following steps:

- Isolate immediately by staying at home.

- Contact your healthcare provider immediately.Before going to your health care provider's office or emergency room, let them know that you may have measles and ask them to call your local health department.This phone will help protect other patients and staff.

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world.

It is spread by direct contact with an infected person or through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.An infected person can spread measles to others from 4 days before developing the rash until 4 days after.

The virus can remain in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves the room.

Measles symptoms

Symptoms usually begin 7 to 14 days after exposure and may include:

- Fever of 101 degrees or higher.

- Runny nose.

- Red, tears.

Three to five days after the onset of symptoms, a rash usually appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.

How to protect yourself

The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.All children should receive two doses of the vaccine.

The first dose is given at 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose is given at 4 to 6 years of age.

If you plan to travel, talk to your doctor to determine if an additional or earlier dose of the vaccine is available.

All adults born during or after 1957 must also get one vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella unless a blood test is done to show that they do not have measles or have the disease.

post-secondary students;Certain adults who are more likely to be exposed to measles, such as international travelers and health care workers, need a second dose of vaccine at least 4 weeks after the first dose.

If you are exposed and not protected

If you are not immunized against measles and have been exposed to someone who has the disease, contact a health care provider immediately:

- Measles, mumps and rubella vaccines can prevent or reduce the severity of chicken pox if given within 72 hours of exposure.

-Immune globulin - a blood product that contains antibodies to the measles virus - can prevent or reduce the severity of measles if given within 6 days of exposure.

If you are not protected against measles, think you have been exposed and cannot contact your health care provider right away, call the Hawaii Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586 or the Disease Research Branch at 808-586-8362.

There is no specific medicine to treat measles once a person is infected.

Care for patients with measles mainly consists of ensuring adequate fluid intake, bed rest and fever control.Patients with complications may need treatment specific to their problem.

Contact your health care provider to get the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.

Check out the following sites for more information: