HEALTHBEAT

According to the Centers for Disease Control, there were 102 cases of measles (Rubeola) in the United States from 14 states reported in January. The last case of measles in Louisiana was reported in 2008 (as of press day). Most of these cases, reports the CDC, “are part of a recent large, ongoing, multi-state outbreak linked to an amusement park in California.” In February, in response to the outbreak, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals released a memo to health care providers to be alert for measles in Louisiana and to report suspect cases, as per a state statute. The memo outlined symptoms, steps to take and testing protocol. CDC experts attribute recent outbreaks to “more measles cases than usual in some countries to which Americans often travel (such as England, France, Germany, India, the Philippines and Vietnam), and therefore more measles cases coming into the U.S., and more spreading of measles in U.S. communities with pockets of unvaccinated people.” The CDC defines measles as “a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air through coughing and sneezing.” For more information about measles and to learn about vaccinations, visit CDC.gov/Measles.


HEALTHBEAT

On March 7, you can join the LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing Alumni Association for its Mudbug March to Stomp Out Pulmonary Hypertension. The event includes a 5K race, 1-mile fun walk, silent auction, music and food. According to a statement from the LSU Health Sciences Center, pulmonary hypertension is increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries and causes symptoms including shortness of breath during routine activities, such as climbing two flights of stairs, chest pain, a racing heartbeat and fatigue. The condition has no cure and usually develops between the ages of 20 and 60, but can occur at any age. The event is being held to raise awareness, to educate patients on how to take care of themselves and in honor of the memory of Chelsea Umbach Yates, who was diagnosed with PH at age 15 and died in 2011. To register and get more information, visit CrowdRise.com/MudbugRace.

 

 

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