Protect your health

With spring break just a few weeks away, Panhandle Health District is urging residents to check their health records and get any recommended vaccinations now to ensure their family's health is protected during any upcoming vacations.

The recent measles outbreak in the United States is prompting the added precautions, explained PHD staff epidemiologist Jeff Lee.

"Measles is easily spread - especially when traveling," Lee said. "If you need to get immunized, it's important to get the necessary vaccines two to four weeks before your trip. It takes time to develop full immunity after the vaccine is administered."

There have been 154 cases of measles reported in the U.S. this year. Most of these cases are linked to the Disneyland theme park in southern California. Idaho does not have any confirmed cases.

Dr. Jack Riggs of Coeur d'Alene couldn't confirm a record of his childhood measles vaccine. He is traveling to Disneyland with his grandkids and decided to get an MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella.

"I'm old enough to remember the ravage of diseases like the measles. One hundred people stood in line to get the vaccine because they knew how bad the disease was. Today, vaccines are comparable to seat belts. Without them, we are taking an unnecessary risk," Riggs told the Health District.

Residents who do not have knowledge of vaccination records for themselves or family members are encouraged to speak with their health care providers about getting an additional vaccine.

Health care providers should also be contacted by residents who begin seeing symptoms of measles after returning from traveling overseas or to southern California.

For information regarding travel notices and required vaccines by destination, call the Panhandle Health District at (208) 415-5270 or visit the CDC travel health website, wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.