The state Department of Health has lifted a “measles alert” for Kaua’i. The alert was issued after a 16-year-old North Shore-area youth was treated for measles symptoms, raising the possibility of an outbreak on the island. The youth, who was
The state Department of Health has lifted a “measles alert” for Kaua’i.
The alert was issued after a 16-year-old North Shore-area youth was treated for measles symptoms, raising the possibility of an outbreak on the island. The youth, who was not identified, was later treated and released.
The alert was lifted after no new cases were reported among 25 youths who had come in contact with the 16-year-old youth and were quarantined at their homes until June 19.
That day marked the end of a second incubation period for the virus, according to the health department.
“We are really lucky,” said Dr. Ronald L. Metler, district health service administrator for the health department office on Kaua’i. “There were a number of unimmunized kids who were in contact with this teenager at school.”
Officials have declined to release the name of the school.
The youth traveled through Europe before he developed measles symptoms. He was treated by a Kaua’i physician on June 2, hospitalized June 4 and released.
In response to that reported case, the health department conducted a free measles shot clinic at Kilauea Neighborhood Center earlier this month.
During the session, 15 people received shots. They included people who had never been immunized against the virus, a health official said.
This month’s measles scare should serve as a “wakeup call” for parents whose children have not been immunized, Metler said.
Some North Shore-area youths have not been immunized because their parents have requested a religious exemption from immunization requirements.
By law, two doses of vaccine are required for school attendance, a state health official said.
In a telephone call to the The Garden Island newspaper, one parent vigorously voiced her opposition to the immunization of her children.
Metler said parents who choose not to immunize their children should realize they are putting “their kids at risk.”
“Especially as they get older and travel to other countries” where they might expose themselves to those with the measles virus, Metler said.
Measles symptoms include high fever, runny nose, cough and rash. The disease can lead to inflammation of the brain, middle ear infections, pneumonia and even death.
