Warden Messages
Measles Outbreak
October 24, 2008
This warden message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens of a measles outbreak in Accra, Ghana. There have been several cases of clinically diagnosed measles in Accra recently, including one at an international school.
We advise all U.S. citizens in Ghana to consult with their health practitioners to verify that their measles immunizations are up to date.
In the U.S., the usual standard of vaccination is one immunization per child on or after its first birthday, followed by a booster shot when the child is between four and six years old. During a recent measles outbreak, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that children age six to twelve months be vaccinated before travel; this recommendation is now extended to children age six to twelve months living in Accra.
Measles is characterized by fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis and rash. The incubation period is generally eight to twelve days. Patients are contagious from one to two days before symptoms begin and for up to four days after the appearance of the rash. The rash usually begins behind the ears and spreads on the first day to the face, the next day to the trunk and later to the limbs. Measles can be highly contagious. If you believe that you have contracted measles, please consult your health practitioner, initially by phone if possible.
Please consult the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention website for further information about measles: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/Diseases/submenus/sub_measles.htm
This information is provided by the American Citizen Services Unit, U.S. Embassy Accra, Ghana; Telephone: 021-741-000, 021-741-449/443/071; Fax: 021-741-362/426; e-mail: acsaccra@state.gov; website: http://ghana.usembassy.gov.