Measles cases remind Idahoans to be up to date with vaccinations
Noah Farley
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Three cases of measles have already been found in Idaho, reminding people to be up to date with their vaccinations.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare says some people might not realize they need vaccines throughout their lives. Childhood immunizations can wear off over time, so even adults need to stay up to date on their vaccinations. Health and Welfare recommends adults with heath conditions, healthcare workers, and pregnant women get vaccinated.
If someone catches measles, it has a chance of getting worse.
“Measles sort of like wipes out your immune system, and then you’re really vulnerable to like a viral or bacterial pneumonia after the fact,” said Southeastern Idaho Public Health Nurse Practitioner, Ian Troesoyer.
Some of Idaho’s neighboring states have strict policies on going back to school after measles. For example, if unvaccinated students in Washington state are exposed to measles, the Spokane school district will keep them out of school for three weeks.
The policy differs in east Idaho. There technically is no measles policy, so Idaho school districts 91 and 93 say they will follow CDC guidelines.
“If a student or an employee were to contract measles, they would be sent home at the first sign of the measles,” said D-91 Superintendent Karla LaOrange. “They would remain home until they were fever free without medication for 24 hours, and then they would be welcome to return.”
LaOrange says she had measles when she was five years old, and she still remembers the pain she felt.
“I was really quite sick. I remember it seemed like it was quite a long time. It was probably the typical four or five days,” LaOrange said. “But I do remember having a really high fever and that my mom had to work really hard to keep my fever down. And so we don’t want our students to experience that, if at all possible.”
Be on the lookout for measles symptoms like fever, coughing, runny nose, and a rash spreading over the body.
There are several places to be vaccinated or get immunization records. You can contact your healthcare provider or local public health district to ask questions or schedule an appointment.