By SDCN Editor
San Diego, CA–County public health officials have confirmed a fourth measles case this year, involving a 13-month-old child who recently traveled overseas.
Public health officials said the child, who was not vaccinated, may have exposed others to the highly contagious virus at two healthcare facilities in the region.
The previously confirmed three cases this year are unrelated, but like the current one, all have been linked to international travel. The last confirmed measles case in the County before 2024 occurred in 2019.
The public is being alerted to potential exposure on August 20, from 12 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Rady Grossmont Pediatric Unit at 5555 Grossmont Center Drive in La Mesa, and Rady Children’s Emergency Department and Inpatient Unit 4 East on August 25, from 2:15 p.m. to August 26 at 9 p.m. at 3020 Children’s Way in San Diego.
The County’s Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch is teaming with Sharp Grossmont Hospital and Rady Children’s Hospital to trace patients and staff at the locations during the exposure windows. These individuals are being contacted to assess their vaccination status and monitor their health for measles signs.
“Measles is extremely contagious and spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or even being in the same room as an infected person,” said Dr. Seema Shah, the County’s interim deputy public health officer.
Health officials advise that anyone experiencing symptoms contact their healthcare provider before visiting medical offices to prevent further exposure. Measles symptoms can appear seven to 21 days after exposure and often begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A characteristic red rash typically follows one to four days later, starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body.
Individuals are considered contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after. The rash usually fades in the same order it appears, beginning with the head and face and ending with the hands and feet.
Dr. Shah emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing measles.
“The best protection is the measles vaccine. With outbreaks in multiple countries, it’s crucial that all international travelers are vaccinated,” Dr. Shah said.
She added that infants between six and 12 months old who are traveling should receive one dose of the vaccine, while older travelers should get two doses spaced at least four weeks apart.
Measles can cause serious complications, particularly in young children and adults over 20 years old. These complications can include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and in severe cases, death. There is no specific treatment for measles, but rest, fluids, and fever management are recommended.
For more information on measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases, visit the County’s Immunization Branch website or call (866) 358-2966.
