Questions about measles...

[gentlewoodcottage]

Do you know if it is possible for a person who has been immunized and yet exposed to a case of measles, to carry the disease and infect others who have not been immunized?

The back story is this... my mother (who has been immunized) works at a local daycare. One child (or maybe two, I'm uncertain about some of the details) has been diagnosed with measles, and several other children have been sent home because they showed signs of having the same disease. All of these children have been fully vaccinated.

I have not been immunized against measles, and neither have my two children (ages 2 and 3). I am 26 weeks pregnant.

Do you know if we should avoid being around my mom until this outbreak blows over?

This question is actually doubly important, as Thanksgiving is coming up, and my grandfather is (at this moment) in a surgery which he is not expected to survive, and I don't know how careful we should be about being around my mom/family just now.

Thanks...

Candace

[Marnica]

Unless your mother eventually shows symptoms of measles I wouldn't worry. But make sure to take into account the incubation period The incubation period usually lasts for 4–12 days (during which there are no symptoms). Infected people remain contagious from the appearance of the first symptoms until 3–5 days after the rash appears. I would def stay away from your mom for that 4-12 day period where there are no symptoms beacsue just because she is vaxed doesnt mean she won't get it.

[carriebft]

The vaccine is very effective at preventing transmission, probably one of the only ones that is.

I would definitely be cautious around compromised individuals in any case; I hope your grandfather does well and I would definitely mention to your mom being cautious.

[Emmeline II]

Measles does not appear to cause birth defects in the baby if contracted during pregnancy, though you may possibly be at an increased risk of pre-term labor.

You could take natural vitamin A (cod liver oil; I use Carlson's) as a precaution.

[Sileree]

Originally Posted by gentlewoodcottage

Do you know if it is possible for a person who has been immunized and yet exposed to a case of measles, to carry the disease and infect others who have not been immunized?

Yes, several studies show that diseases (including measles, mumps, etc.) can be transmitted among the immune. How common this is I have no idea.

In your particular case I wouldn't worry about it though like the pp's have said. If she starts to get a rash and a high fever then stay away, but if not, I wouldn't worry personally.

[Sileree]

* Double post