The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported an outbreak of measles in the United States (U.S.) and a case was recently identified in Miami-Dade County.
Measles is spread from person to person through the air by infectious droplets. Up to 9 out of every 10
susceptible persons exposed to someone with measles will develop the disease. Severe cases of measles may lead to pneumonia, convulsions, encephalitis, and death.
Parents of children who do not have a compromised immune system and may have been exposed to measles should contact their child's pediatrician for guidance.
At-risk groups include children younger than 5 years of age AND immunocompromised individuals.
All children with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis are at increased risk to develop measles after exposure regardless of their vaccination status due to a compromised immune system.
If your child has IBD and has been exposed to measles or shows signs or symptoms consistent with measles, please contact our IBD coordinator, Maria Bichara, immediately at 786-624-3369 (Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), so we may guide you to the next steps.
Recommendations:
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Immunocompromised children/adolescents/young adults with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis who are exposed to measles should contact our office immediately.
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You will be recommended to receive a treatment as soon as possible or within 6 days of exposure to a confirmed case of measles with a safe and effective treatment called Immune Globulin, which involves administering antibodies (immunoglobulins) to strengthen a patient's immune system.