Los Angeles County reported one other measles case involving a resident or traveler this week, prompting officers to resume their name for all residents to ensure they’re updated on their vaccinations.
The newest case — the fourth to this point this 12 months — entails a customer who not too long ago arrived in L.A. County from one other nation, in keeping with the county Division of Public Well being.
The measles affected person was not infectious whereas touring, well being officers stated, however some individuals might have been uncovered to the virus in healthcare amenities. Officers didn’t determine the particular websites however stated the healthcare amenities are instantly contacting doubtlessly uncovered sufferers and staff.
Measles is among the most contagious illnesses, and it could unfold simply on surfaces and within the air — remaining infectious for hours, even after a sickened particular person has left the room.
Signs of measles embody a excessive fever above 101 levels, cough, runny nostril, purple and watery eyes and a rash, which normally begins on the face and spreads to the remainder of the physique.
“As L.A. County residents start to journey this summer season, and with measles instances growing amongst those that have not too long ago traveled, we remind everybody that the easiest way to guard your self and your loved ones from an infection is with the extremely efficient measles vaccine,” Dr. Muntu Davis, the county well being officer, stated in a press release Tuesday.
Well being officers typically advocate infants get their first measles vaccination after they’re 12 to fifteen months previous, adopted by a second dose between 4 and 6 years previous.
However infants as younger as 6 months previous ought to get a measles vaccine earlier than touring internationally, after which ought to get two extra doses after their first birthday, in keeping with the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention.
Having two doses of the measles vaccine is 97% efficient towards an infection, well being officers say.
Measles vaccination is required as a situation of entry for faculties in California and, at age 1, at child-care facilities — although youngsters can obtain a medical exemption. State legislation permits dad and mom to skip immunizations for kids who’re enrolled in unbiased examine packages and don’t obtain classroom-based instruction.
Earlier than a vaccine for measles grew to become out there in 1963, the illness resulted in an estimated 400 to 500 deaths a 12 months, in addition to 48,000 hospitalizations — with 1,000 individuals struggling mind swelling, the CDC says.
Two L.A. County residents have examined constructive for measles this 12 months — one who had not too long ago returned from Texas, which is within the midst of a lethal measles outbreak, and one other who had flown again from Taiwan. A non-L.A. County resident additionally examined constructive after arriving on a flight from South Korea.
The U.S. is within the midst of one among its worst years for measles within the final era, with 935 instances already reported nationally this 12 months, CDC information present. About 38% of sufferers are age 5 via 19, and 30% are age 4 and youthful.
Of these with confirmed measles an infection, 96% both are unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination standing, in keeping with the CDC.
The newest measles case depend is already the second-highest in 25 years, eclipsed solely by the 1,274 instances reported in all of 2019.
Three confirmed measles deaths have been reported — two amongst unvaccinated school-age youngsters in Texas who had no underlying medical situations, and one in an unvaccinated grownup in New Mexico, in keeping with the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
L.A. County officers counsel residents contact their healthcare supplier as quickly as attainable a few attainable measles publicity if they’re pregnant or have a weakened immune system — no matter their immunization historical past. Healthcare suppliers must also be contacted if the uncovered particular person is an toddler or is unvaccinated.
“If signs develop, keep at residence, and keep away from faculty, work and any giant gatherings,” the county stated in a press release. “Don’t enter a healthcare facility earlier than calling them and making them conscious of your measles publicity and signs.”
Individuals can unfold measles to others from 4 days earlier than the illness’s telltale rash seems via 4 days afterward, in keeping with the CDC. Individuals who haven’t been immunized towards measles, both via vaccination or prior an infection, are prone to getting sick between seven and 21 days after publicity.
