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Measles in a Patient with Presumed Immunity - Los Angeles County, 2015
MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
|October 9, 2015
Summary
A 17-year-old patient with reactive airway disease was exposed to measles. Despite receiving two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, the patient required significant medical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Reactive airway disease is a common pediatric condition.
- Measles is a highly contagious viral illness.
- The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is crucial for preventing measles.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old patient presented with reactive airway disease.
- In the same emergency department waiting room, two infants were diagnosed with measles.
- The patient had received two doses of the MMR vaccine at ages 12 months and 4 years.
Findings:
- The patient's reactive airway disease symptoms persisted despite initial oral prednisone treatment.
- Intravenous methylprednisolone was administered due to persistent symptoms.
- This case highlights a potential exposure to measles in a vaccinated adolescent.
Implications:
- Further investigation may be warranted regarding vaccine effectiveness or waning immunity in certain populations.
- This case underscores the importance of continued vigilance for vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Healthcare providers should consider measles exposure in differential diagnoses for respiratory symptoms, even in vaccinated individuals.