For Immediate Release: January 9, 2015

Contact: Nicole Stanfield nstanfield@ochca.com, 714-834-2178

Eight Confirmed Measles Cases in Orange County

MMR Vaccination Recommended Due to Potential Public Exposure

(Santa Ana) – Orange County has eight confirmed cases of measles, in conjunction with the outbreak recently reported affecting multiple counties in California and Utah. The Orange County Health Care Agency expects that the measles outbreak will continue to spread, and reminds the public that the best way to prevent the measles is by getting vaccinated.

The most recent cases spent time in public locations in Orange County while contagious, increasing the possibility that Orange County residents may be exposed to measles. For a current list of potential exposure locations and times, please visit the Health Care Agency website at www.ochealthinfo.com/measles. The website will be updated as additional exposure locations are identified.

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes. Measles spreads very easily by air and by direct contact with an infected person. People are contagious from approximately four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appears. Anyone suspecting they have measles should CALL their medical provider BEFORE arriving at the medical office to avoid exposing others to the measles virus.

Protect Yourself and Family from Measles:

• Children 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.
• Vaccinating children, adolescents and adults is the best way to protect infants who are too young to receive the MMR vaccine.
• Vaccinations 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. Vaccination before traveling is recommended.

To learn more about measles, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Orange County Health Care Agency.