Measles case reported in Orange County

The OC Health Care Agency has confirmed a case of measles in an adult international traveler visiting Orange County. The person visited the following locations in Orange County while infectious:        

• July 26 – Denny’s Restaurant (1168 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92802) from 7 to 9 p.m.
• July 27 – CVS Pharmacy (1803 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92802) from 12:45 to 2 p.m.
• July 27 – Walmart (1120 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805) from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
• July 28 – Anaheim Global Medical Center Emergency Department (1025 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805) from 2 to 5 p.m.
• July 28 – CVS Pharmacy (1676 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim CA 92802) from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

The HCA has been working with Anaheim Global Medical Center 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 receiving 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 County Health Officer Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong. “It 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 that they have measles should call their medical provider before arriving at the medical office, to avoid exposing others to the measles virus. Immunization provides the best protection.”

Measles can be prevented through immunization:

• 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.
• 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.

For information about measles in Orange County including any updates to this case in Orange County visit www.ochealthinfo.com/measles. For more information about measles, visit www.cdc.gov/measles.

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