State and county health officials have confirmed a case of measles in Maricopa County.
Authorities say the disease was contracted by a man living in the area who recently traveled abroad. They say he spent time in the community before being diagnosed, and county health officials are worried others may have been exposed.
Most people are vaccinated against the disease. However, Measles, these days, is only slightly more common than Polio, so it's a bit unnerving to know that the disease could be circulating in the Valley's air supply.
The classical symptoms of measles include four day fevers, the three Cs--cough, coryza (runny nose) and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The fever may reach up to 40 °C (104 °F). Koplik's spots seen inside the mouth are pathognomonic (diagnostic) for measles but are not often seen, even in real cases of measles, because they are transient and may disappear within a day of arising.
The characteristic measles rash is classically described as a generalized, maculopapular, erythematous rash that begins several days after the fever starts. It starts on the head before spreading to cover most of the body, often causing itching. The rash is said to "stain", changing colour from red to dark brown, before disappearing. The measles rash appears two to four days after initial symptoms and lasts for up to eight days.
Indigenous measles were declared to have been eliminated in North, Central, and South America, but outbreaks still occur -- often caused by people who have spent time abroad, in places where the disease has not been wiped out.
The largest recent outbreak in the U.S occurred in 2008, when 127 cases were reported in 15 states. Twenty-two of those cases were reported in Arizona.
If you have any of the aforementioned symptoms, see a doctor, and STAY AWAY FROM THE NEW TIMES BUILDING!
