Measles scare in W.H.

Nassau County residents were on edge last week after county health officials announced that a 12 month-old child was struck with a case of the measles. The infant was said to have visited the Island Garden Basketball facility in West Hempstead on Jan. 21.

After learning about the scare on Jan. 27, health officials notified all emergency rooms, organizations and facilities within the county. Health officials believe that the child contracted the disease during a recent international trip. The measles, health officials said, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus and is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected

people.

Measles symptoms generally appear in two stages. In the first stage, which lasts two to four days, the individual may have a runny nose, cough and a slight fever. The eyes may become red and sensitive to light while the fever gradually rises each day.

Furthermore, small bluish white spots surrounded by a reddish area may also appear on the gums and inside of the cheeks. The second stage begins on the third to seventh day and consists of a red blotchy rash lasting five to six days. The rash usually begins on the face and then spreads downward and outward, reaching the hands and feet. The rash fades in the same order that it appeared, from head to extremities. Symptoms of measles usually appear in 10 to 12 days but can occur as late as 18 days after exposure. Although measles is usually considered a childhood disease, it can be contracted at any age.

The single best way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated.

The county's health department is advising individuals who may have been exposed and who have symptoms consistent with measles to call their health care providers or emergency rooms before going for care, so that others are not exposed to the illness.

For additional information about measles, visit the health department's Web site at nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/ Health/index.html or call us at (516) 227-9697.