Public health officials in the County have reported a new case of measles, marking the fourth one this year. The patient, a 13-month-old infant who had not received immunization, recently returned from an international trip before falling ill, the County of San Diego reports. According to the report, the last measles case in the County was three years ago, in 2019. Unlike the previous cases this year, all unrelated but travel-associated, the infant potentially exposed the public to the virus at two health care facilities on specific dates.
Health officials say the places where the infant potentially spread measles include the Rady Grossmont Pediatric Unit, Rady Children's Emergency Department, and Inpatient Unit 4 East, recently traveling overseas. Efforts are currently underway by County staff from the Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch to identify and contact individuals who might have been exposed. This process includes determining their vaccination status and evaluating the risk of measles development, as announced by Dr. Seema Shah, the County interim deputy public health officer, as per the County of San Diego.
"Measles is a very contagious disease that can be spread easily by coughing, sneezing or being in the same room with an infected person," Dr. Shah explained, as cited by the County of San Diego, emphasizing the importance of infection control measures, including calling one's doctor before visiting their office if symptoms emerge. Symptoms typically develop within seven to 21 days after exposure, including fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and eventually a distinctive rash.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people to be considered contagious a few days before the rash appears. Onset typically begins on the face and head before spreading to the rest of the body, which is especially dangerous among individuals traveling overseas who have not been vaccinated. Dr. Shah advocated vaccination as the best protection against measles, noting that infants between 6 and 12 months old should receive one dose before international travel, and individuals older than 12 months should have two doses spaced at least four weeks apart.
Complications from measles can range from diarrhea and ear infections to pneumonia, with the possibility of death from severe complications. While there is no treatment for measles, supportive care, including bed rest, fluids, and fever control, can aid. The risk for serious complications is higher in young children under the age of five and in adults over 20.
