RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Riverside University Health System is advising residents that eight confirmed measles cases have appeared in California as of the end of March.
According to the California Department of Public Health, three confirmed measles cases were reported in February, and five more as of March 27. In 2024, there were 15 measles cases throughout the year, they said. Though measles cases have increased in the United States, there are no suspected or confirmed measles cases in Riverside County as of April 1, according to the health officials with Riverside University Health System — Public Health.
“Residents should be aware of the benefits of vaccination and provided with education about the signs and symptoms of the disease,” County Public Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky said.
According to the county health database, the last measles case in Riverside County was in 2018. Still, residents can take some actions to reduce the risk of measles in our communities, she advised.
“Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and our community against measles,” Chevinsky said. “Roughly 90% of those unvaccinated and exposed to measles will contract the disease.” She shared some tips on the disease, which can be highly contagious and dangerous in some cases.
Measles is a severe and highly infectious disease that can be spread through the air via droplets when a person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes.
For protection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine for:
- Children: one dose at 12 months of age and another at 4-6 years.
- Older children, adolescents and adults without documented doses of MMR vaccine.
Additionally, if you are an adult born after 1957, one dose of live measles vaccine is sufficient to be considered protected from measles. Still, certain adults may need two doses.
Adults who are going to be in a setting that poses a high risk for measles transmission (e.g., healthcare providers) should make sure they have had two doses separated by at least 28 days.
Vaccination with one dose of MMR is also recommended for infants as young as 6 months old before international travel to reduce the risk of contracting measles while traveling to countries where measles is more common.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Symptoms of measles can include:
- initial fever that lasts a couple of days,
- followed by a cough,
- a runny nose,
- conjunctivitis (pink eye),
- a prickly red rash.
“There are many different kinds of rash illnesses that can appear similar to measles, so it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure an accurate diagnosis, which often requires testing. The public health department follows up on any instances where there may be concern for measles or other transmissible diseases of concern,” Chevinsky said in a recent news release.
“Typically, a rash will appear on the face, along the hairline, and behind the ears. It then spreads down to the rest of the body. Infected people can spread measles from about four days before their rash starts to four days afterwards.
“Symptoms typically will be observed 10–14 days after exposure to the virus. A prominent rash is often the most visible symptom. Complications of measles can include ear infections, hospitalization, pneumonia, swelling of the brain, and, in some instances, death. “
When To Ask Your Doctor:
Contact your healthcare provider if you or a loved one are experiencing a rash, illness, or believe you may have been exposed to measles, particularly after international travel or travel to a place with ongoing measles outbreaks, according to the Riverside University Health System.
“If you seek care through an emergency department or urgent care for a rash illness, it is important to call ahead so the health facility can take appropriate precautions.
What About Vaccines?
“To get vaccinated, talk to your healthcare provider or visit one of Public Health’s upcoming vaccine clinics. All clinics accept walk-in appointments. Cost and eligibility vary. For questions and clinic locations, please call (951) 358-7125 or visit www.ruhealth.org/vaccineclinics.
Learn more about measles here.
