OC measles update

OC Measles Update

By OC Supervisor Pat Bates

As reported in my newsletter last week, Orange County has 21 confirmed cases of measles in 2014, the most reported by any county in California. The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) expects the measles outbreak will continue to spread and reminds the public that the best way to prevent the measles is by getting vaccinated.

Five of the 21 cases have been children, none of them immunized. Five have been healthcare workers who became ill after exposure to measles cases.

HCA will take every precaution to prevent outbreaks in health care facilities, schools and daycare facilities. Unimmunized children, school/daycare staff, and healthcare workers who are exposed to the measles will be instructed to stay home for up to 21 days after exposure.

Anyone suspecting they have measles should CALL their medical provider BEFORE arriving at the medical office to avoid exposing others to the measles virus.

For more information, please click here, here, here and here.

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.

To learn more about measles, please visit the Health Care Agencyor Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites. To view a CBS Evening News report on the measles outbreak, please clickhere.