By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–County public health officials have confirmed two unrelated cases of measles, prompting warnings for residents who may have been exposed at locations in San Diego and Imperial Beach.
Both individuals who contracted the highly contagious disease travel to San Diego for work. Health officials said one of the cases resulted in public exposure, while the second case did not.
According to the County Health Department, the infectious individual who was involved in the public exposure had no documented proof of measles vaccination and visited several public locations while contagious.
Potential exposure sites include:
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, 333 W. Harbor Drive in San Diego, on May 17 from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Baskin-Robbins, 791 Palm Ave., Suite 103 in Imperial Beach on May 20 between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
County immunization staff are working with the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina to identify employees who may have been exposed. Notifications are also being sent to hotel guests who were on site during the specified timeframe.
“Measles spreads very easily, even through the air, so anyone who was at these locations during the listed times should watch for symptoms and contact their health care provider if they start to feel sick,” said Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, the County’s public health officer.
Officials are urging anyone who develops symptoms to call their healthcare provider before seeking medical care in person so appropriate infection-control measures can be implemented.
Measles symptoms typically develop seven to 21 days after exposure. Early signs include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a characteristic rash that usually appears one to four days later. Infected individuals can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days afterward.
Health officials emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles. With outbreaks reported in multiple states, residents are encouraged to verify they are fully immunized, particularly before traveling.
Current recommendations call for infants ages 6 to 12 months who are traveling to receive one dose of the measles vaccine. Travelers older than 12 months should receive two doses administered at least four weeks apart.
While many people recover from measles without complications, severe illness can occur. Young children under age 5 and adults over 20 face a higher risk of serious complications, which can be life-threatening. There is no specific cure for measles, though medical treatment can help manage complications.
The newly confirmed cases bring heightened attention to measles activity in the region. In March, the county reported a measles infection in an out-of-state visitor. No additional local cases had been reported until now.
The California Department of Public Health has confirmed 49 measles cases so far this year.
For more information about measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases, contact the County’s Immunization Branch at (866) 358-2966, or click here.
