Exposed individuals identified during the post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) period (72 hours after exposure for MMR and 6 days after exposure for IG) should be contacted via telephone or in person. The contact should be made as soon as possible to facilitate the exposed individuals receiving PEP. In certain situations, the number of people exposed may be so large that staff or volunteers from multiple agencies or facilities are needed to make phone calls. Telephone contact can be made by the health department, the site of the exposure (e.g. school, hospital), the Medical Reserve Corps or other volunteer organizations. Staff at the DSHS regional office and central office may also be available to assist.
This script is intended for in person or telephone outreach to inform individuals of their exposure to measles. The conversation should:
- Notify about the potential exposure
- Ascertain current symptoms and immune status
- Provide information about PEP and direct unvaccinated individuals to where they can obtain PEP
- Educate on how to recognize signs and symptoms of measles
- Explain what to do if they have or develop measles symptoms
- Identify additional exposed individuals (e.g. people exposed in ER waiting rooms may have had a companion with them that would not be on the hospital roster).