Measles

Measles cases have been confirmed in Orange County and surrounding counties. Although there is no evidence of sustained community transmission, Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) continues to monitor measles activity. People who may have been exposed to measles should:

• Review their vaccination history if they have not previously had measles. People who have not had measles or the measles vaccine should talk with a health care provider about receiving Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination.
• 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.

Measles is immediately reportable in Orange County, even if the case has not yet been confirmed but is suspected.  To report a case, health care providers/facilities should call OCHCA Communicable Disease Control Division at 714-834-8180. Residents with questions related to measles or potential exposure may also call the HCA Health Referral Line at 1 (800)-564-8448.

Exposure sites outside of Orange County:
Long Beach www.longbeach.gov/measles
Los Angeles County www.publichealth.lacounty.gov

 
Photo Source: CDC: https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=17980

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes. Measles spreads very easily by air and by direct contact with an infected person. Measles is contagious from approximately 4 days before the rash appears through 4 days after the rash appears. Exposed people who have not had measles or been vaccinated generally develop symptoms approximately 8-12 days after exposure to measles, with rash appearing an average of 14 days but up to 21 days after that of the initial case.

Measles was eliminated from the United States in 2000, meaning that ongoing continuous transmission no longer occurs here. However, measles cases can still be imported from areas that have measles circulating and can spread quickly in communities with unvaccinated persons. Maintaining high vaccination rates is vital to preventing outbreaks of disease in our community. 
                                                 

Orange County Measles Cases (to date*)

2019*

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

5

1

3

0

35

23

1

0