The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is warning residents that measles cases are ticking up. The uptick is particularly noticeable among recent international and domestic travelers, a trend that underscores the significance of vaccination. Health officials are doubling down on their message to get the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine if not immune, especially before going to summer escapades. "Measles is a serious respiratory disease that spreads easily through the air and on surfaces, particularly among people who are not already protected from it," Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer, said in a statement.
LA County reports its fourth confirmed measles case of the year, connected to a visitor from abroad. Fortunately, this traveler was in the clear regarding infectiousness during their travel period, and no exposure sites outside of healthcare settings have been identified. Measles is as sly as it is contagious, capable of spreading before symptoms even dare to show up. The advice from public health officials is to review immunization records, and if fallen into the category of the unprotected, chatting with a healthcare provider is in order.
What's particularly jarring is the current measles landscape, over 930 cases nationwide, with the brunt emerging from Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. The majority are unvaccinated or boast an unknown vaccination status. April saw the last reported case in an LA County resident, stirring public health to action in hopes of curbing any further spread. They're pushing hard for people to get that MMR shot — 97% effective with two doses, 93% effective with one.
Clinics rolled into the Vaccines for Children (VFC) and Vaccines for Adults (VFA) programs offer low or no-cost shots. You can just dial 2-1-1 or visit the Public Health site for a directory of these clinics.
