Mom, child join area’s measles list

Lee Scrivner

Friday, June 9, 2000 | 10:07 a.m.

Six cases of measles have now been reported to Southern Nevada health officials in an outbreak of the virus that began six weeks ago.

A Las Vegas mother and her 18-month-old child are the latest to be confirmed as having measles. They were hospitalized Monday.

There were no confirmed cases of measles last year, said Jennifer Sizemore, a Clark County Health District official. This year's outbreak is cause for concern, she said.

In late April two cases in Pahrump were reported to the Nevada State Health Division, Nye County Health District nurse Emalie Kaley said.

In the ensuing weeks four more people -- children and adults -- were diagnosed in Clark County.

Measles, or rubeola, is a highly contagious disease that may be transmitted by direct or airborne contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people.

Symptoms of the disease are runny nose, cough, fever and sensitive eyes. A red, blotchy rash appears on the face on the third to seventh day and spreads throughout the body for four to seven days.

Local health officials are urging parents to ensure that their children are immunized against the disease.

Suspected cases of measles should be reported to the health district at 383-1378.

For immunization information, call the health district's Immunization Clinic at 383-1357.