TUBA CITY, Ariz. — TUBA CITY, Ariz. — Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation (TCRHCC) has been made aware of social media posts circulating regarding measles in the Tuba City Service Unit. As of Tuesday, May 6, there are no confirmed or suspected cases of measles in the Tuba City Service Unit.
Since measles is very contagious, TCRHCC has been screening all patients by asking if they have a fever and rash. If yes, patients will be directed on how to minimize exposure to other patients and staff while at the hospital. Not all patients that have a fever and rash have measles, but this screening will help limit the spread of measles if we do have an infected patient.
Measles is a virus that spreads very easily from person to person among unvaccinated people. Anyone with measles can spread the virus to others who are not immune through direct contact with respiratory droplets, or through tiny droplets in the air from coughing and sneezing. The early symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, cough, and eye discharge, followed by rash. Measles is contagious for 4 days before to 4 days after the rash starts. In some people, including infants and those with weakened immune systems, it can be a very serious infection that leads to pneumonia, brain infection, or death.
“Given the current spread of measles in the US, it remains very important that everyone is up to date on their measles vaccines. The two-dose MMR vaccine series is 97 percent effective in preventing measles,” said Dr. Amanda Burrage, Pediatrician and Medical Director of Public Health at TCRHCC. “TCRHCC Public Health Clinic offers the MMR vaccine, Monday through Friday. No appointment is needed, and walk-ins are welcomed.
If you or your family members may have been exposed to measles, please use the designated parking at the north entrance of the ER Department. To ensure proper triage, call 928-283-2662 for assistance after parking in the designated spot.
For more information about vaccines, visit TCRHCC Public Health at tchealth.org/public-health/.
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