Question

• What else is being done about the Measles from a public health standpoint? Address the actions taken by community agencies, not-for-profit organizations, and government agencies such as the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotions.

Answer 1

1) ans)

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It remains an important cause of death among young children globally, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine.

Under the Global Vaccine Action Plan, measles and rubella are targeted for elimination in five WHO Regions by 2020. WHO is the lead technical agency responsible for coordination of immunization and surveillance activities supporting all countries to achieve this goal.

Measles is transmitted via droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of infected persons. Initial symptoms, which usually appear 10–12 days after infection, include high fever, a runny nose, bloodshot eyes, and tiny white spots on the inside of the mouth. Several days later, a rash develops, starting on the face and upper neck and gradually spreading downwards.

Six World Health Organization regions have adopted measles elimination goals. The public health strategies used to respond to measles outbreaks in elimination settings are thus becoming relevant to more countries. This review highlights the strategies used to limit measles spread in elimination settings:

(1) assembly of an outbreak control committee;
(2) isolation of measles cases while infectious;
(3) exclusion and quarantining of individuals without evidence of immunity;
(4) vaccination of susceptible individuals;
(5) use of immunoglobulin to prevent measles in exposed susceptible high-risk persons;
(6) and maintaining laboratory proficiency for confirmation of measles. Deciding on the extent of containment efforts should be based on the expected benefit of reactive interventions, balanced against the logistical challenges in implementing them

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) plays a vital role in keeping the nation healthy. We accomplish this by setting national public health objectives and supporting programs, services, and education activities that improve the health of all it

Assemble an outbreak control team or response committee:

• Determine coverage in affected and surrounding areas

• Enhance surveillance, i.e., active case-finding for additional cases

• Inform the public and other appropriate health authorities

• Educate case-patients and their contacts about the mode of transmission and on measures to minimize measles spread

• Proper case management, including administration of vitamin A as indicated

• Obtain specimens for laboratory confirmation and viral detection

• Implement control activities to limit virus transmission

○ Provide measles vaccine to unvaccinated persons

○ Assess immunity of contacts of cases, offer post-exposure prophylaxis (vaccine, immunoglobulin) to those susceptible

○ Implement isolation, quarantine, exclusion in households as needed

• Collect detailed data on cases and outbreak response

• Analyze and summarize outbreak, including other available surveillance and measles vaccine coverage data, to determine whether there is evidence of population immunity gaps that require public health action; disseminate these findings to pertinent stakeholders

Prevention:

While the most important measure to prevent measles transmission in all settings is ensuring community immunization, core measles prevention in healthcare settings requires a multi-faceted approach including:

- Ensuring HCP have presumptive evidence of immunity to measles

- Rapidly identifying and isolating patients with known or suspected measles

- Adhering to Standard and Airborne Precautions for patients with known or suspected measles

-Routinely promoting and facilitating respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette

-Appropriately managing exposed and ill HCP

This interim guidance should be implemented in the context of a comprehensive infection prevention program to prevent transmission of all infectious agents among patients, HCP, and visitors

Health promotion activities:

Practice hygiene and cleanliness

Wash your hands often.

If soap and water aren’t available, clean your hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).

Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.

Try to avoid close contact, such as kissing, hugging, or sharing eating utensils or cups with people who are sick.

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