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Childhood Diseases
Measles is a viral infection that can be very serious for small children. It is easily prevented by a vaccine, generally given as two doses of a combination MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine: the first dose when infants are 12-15 months old, and the second dose at 4-6 years old.
The measles virus spreads easily through the air from the tiny droplets caused by coughing or sneezing. Symptoms appear 10-14 days after exposure and most noticeably include a rash. Other symptoms can include coughing, running rose, sore throat, and a high fever.
SGCHD keeps track of measles cases in our community, figuring out the starting point and helping to stop the spread of the virus.
Mumps is a viral infection that causes salivary glands to swell. This condition is very painful and can cause other issues, especially for young children and pregnant women. It is easily prevented by a vaccine, generally given as two doses of a combination MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine: the first dose when infants are 12-15 months old, and the second dose at 4-6 years old.
The mumps virus is spread the same way as measles—the tiny droplets in the air after we cough or sneeze carry the virus through the air to another person.
SGCHD keeps track of mumps cases in our community, figuring out the starting point and helping to stop the spread of the virus.
Pertussis is a bacterial infection that causes a severe, uncontrollable cough. The name “whooping cough” comes from the “whoop”-like sound that someone with pertussis makes after a coughing fit, when they are taking deep breaths to make up for the lack of oxygen they experience while coughing. These violent coughing fits can cause serious damage for people of any age, but especially for infants.
Pertussis is easily prevented by a vaccine, generally given as a combination Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine to children around 11 or 12 years old, adults, and to pregnant women to help protect the infant from pertussis.