Keokuk County Hospital and Clinics is urging parents to stay informed about measles activity currently being reported in southern Iowa, sharing guidance from Pediatrics and Family Practice Provider McKenna Bond, ARNP, according to a social media post from the hospital.
As of August 16th, Iowa HHS had reported 12 confirmed measles cases in the state with evidence of person-to-person spread. That number has since grown to 17 confirmed cases as of August 24th.
Bond said parents should watch for the following symptoms — high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a red blotchy rash that typically starts on the face and hairline before spreading downward. Symptoms can develop anywhere from 7 to 21 days after exposure, meaning an exposure may not result in immediate symptoms.
On vaccination, Bond noted that the routine childhood MMR schedule calls for a first dose between 12 and 15 months and a second dose between 4 and 6 years. However, because of current measles activity, Iowa HHS has advised families to discuss an accelerated schedule with their healthcare provider. This can include an early MMR dose for some infants between 6 and 11 months old — though that early dose does not replace the routine doses later. Two appropriately administered doses of MMR are approximately 97 percent effective at preventing measles.
Bond emphasized one of the most important things parents can do if their child has a known exposure and develops symptoms — call the clinic before coming in. “If your child has had a known exposure and develops symptoms, please call your pediatrician or clinic before walking into the waiting room,” Bond said. “Because measles is airborne and so contagious, showing up unannounced can expose infants, pregnant women, immunocompromised patients, and other vulnerable children.”
Parents who are unsure whether their child is fully vaccinated or whether an accelerated schedule is appropriate are encouraged to check their child’s immunization record and speak with their healthcare provider. Keokuk County Hospital and Clinics is accepting new patients and is available to help during the outbreak. Call 641-622-1170 to schedule an appointment or speak with a provider.
