(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has confirmed a case of measles in an infant returning from international travel to Orange County (OC). The person visited the following locations in OC while infectious:
- November 30, 12 noon to 5 p.m., Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) Emergency Department
- December 2, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. CHOC Emergency Department
- December 3, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. CHOC Emergency Department
The HCA has been working with Children’s Hospital of Orange County to contact anyone who may have been exposed to this case and who are at increased risk of severe outcomes, such as infants, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. People who were in the locations above around the same time(s) should:
- Review whether they are immune to measles or not. People who are not fully immunized against measles or who don’t know if they are immune to measles already should talk with a health care provider about whether they should receive the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
- Monitor themselves for illness with fever and/or an unexplained rash from 7 days to 21 days after their exposure (the time period when symptoms may develop); if symptoms develop, stay at home and call a health care provider immediately for guidance.
“Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe disease in some individuals. Common symptoms include fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer. “With recent and upcoming holiday travel there are potential areas of exposure. If you are planning to travel and have not been immunized, talk to a provider to consider getting a vaccine. It is important for those returning from travel to monitor for symptoms. If a rash develops, call your medical provider before arriving at the medical office, to avoid exposing others to the measles virus. Immunization provides the best protection.”
For information about measles in Orange County including any updates to this case:
- visit www.ochealthinfo.com/measles.
- Additional information about measles can be found by visiting www.cdc.gov/measles and for information on measles and travel visit https://www.cdc.gov/measles/travel/index.html.
About measles immunization:
- For those planning to travel to areas outside of the US, consider talking to a health care provider to discuss recommended vaccines.
- Infants should receive their first MMR vaccine at 12-15 months of age. The second dose of MMR is given at 4 to 6 years of age before going to school.
- Infants under 12 months old who are traveling internationally should receive an early MMR vaccine dose at 6 through 11 months.
- Immunizing children, adolescents and adults is the best way to protect infants who are too young to receive the MMR vaccine.
- MMR vaccines are very safe. The benefits far outweigh any risks. Side effects are usually mild, such as soreness where the shot was given.
- Measles is found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Receiving an MMR vaccine before international travel is recommended for those who have not already received two doses.
ABOUT THE OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is a regional interdisciplinary health jurisdiction and an accredited health department, charged with protecting and promoting individual, family and community health through partnership and coordination of public and private sector resources. Visit www.ochealthinfo.com to learn more about services and resources.
Here is CHOC’s news release about this measles incident:
CHOC Children’s Hospital has seen one confirmed measles case involving an unvaccinated child.
Measles symptoms generally occur seven to 14 days after exposure and may resemble a cold (fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes). A rash usually develops on the skin two to four days after the initial symptoms. People with measles may be contagious four days before the rash appears and for four days after the rash first appears.
If you suspect your child may have the measles, call your pediatrician first. Your doctor will advise next steps, including where to seek care.
Vaccination is the best protection against the disease. Individuals who are not up-to-date on their vaccines are encouraged to see their healthcare providers. Anyone with questions should call the Orange County Health Care Agency at 714-834-8180.
Learn more about measles and its prevention in this Q & A with CHOC pediatric experts.
