County confirms new case of travel-related measles | News

County public health officials confirmed the fourth case of measles this year in a 13-month-old resident who had recently traveled out of state.

The district previously confirmedthree casesin the region this year. None of the cases are connected, but all are related to international travel. Before 2024, the last confirmed case of measles in the county was in 2019.

The unimmunized child could have infected others at the following times and places:

• Sharp Grossmont Hospital Children's ward on August 20th from 12:00 to 5:30 p.m., 5555 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa

• Rady Pediatric Emergency Department and Inpatient Unit 4 East is located at 3020 Children's Way, San Diego, on August 25th from 2:15 p.m. to August 26th at 9 p.m.

Staff in the Division of Epidemiology and Immunization are working with Sharp Grossmont Hospital and Rady Children's Hospital to identify and contact patients and staff to determine if those potentially exposed at those locations have been vaccinated. They will also assess their risk for developing measles.

“Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be easily spread by coughing, sneezing or being in the same room as an infected person,” said Seema Shah, MD, MPH., acting deputy county health officer.

People with symptoms are asked to call their doctor in advance instead of going directly to the practice so that infection control measures can be taken to prevent infecting others.

Measles develops seven to 21 days after infection. Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A characteristic red rash usually appears one to four days after the first symptoms begin.

A person is considered contagious for four days before and four days after the rash appears. The rash typically begins on the face and head and then spreads downward and outward to the hands and feet, disappearing in the same order it began, from head to toe.

“The best way to prevent measles is to get the measles vaccine,” said Dr. Shah. “Because measles outbreaks are occurring in several countries, it is very important that all international travelers get vaccinated. Infants between the ages of 6 and 12 months should receive one dose when traveling, and travelers over 12 months should receive two doses at least four weeks apart.”

Complications from measles are more common in children younger than 5 and adults 20 years of age and older. Complications can include diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. Severe complications can lead to death, and the risk is higher in younger children and adults. There is no treatment for measles. Bed rest, fluid intake, and fever control are recommended. People with complications may need treatment for their specific problems.

For more information about measles, other vaccine-preventable diseases, and the vaccinations that protect against them, visit the county website.Vaccination department onlineor call (866) 358-2966.