OSAP Responds to CDC Measles Advisory

OSAP RESPONDS TO CDC MEASLES ADVISORY

The Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures (OSAP) has developed a special page on its website at www.osap.org in response to the April 3rd CDC Health Advisory on recent measles outbreaks in the US. The page includes information specific to dental professionals, including photographs of the oral cavities of infected patients.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that is transmitted by respiratory droplets and airborne spread. Although measles is no longer an endemic disease in the US, it remains endemic in most countries of the world, including some countries in Europe. Large outbreaks currently are occurring in Switzerland and Israel. Outbreaks in several parts of the US have been linked to importation from endemic countries.

According to the CDC, during a measles outbreak, additional vaccine recommendations should be considered. Healthcare facilities should strongly consider recommending one dose of MMR vaccine to unvaccinated healthcare personnel born before 1957 who do not have serologic evidence of immunity or physician documentation of measles disease. For more information, go to www.osap.org.

OSAP is the Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures. Founded in 1984, the non-profit association is dentistry’s premier resource for infection control and safety information. Through its publications, courses, website, and worldwide collaborations, OSAP and the tax-exempt OSAP Foundation support education, research, service, and policy development to promote safety and the control of infectious diseases in dental healthcare settings worldwide.

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