SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — San Diego County has recorded its first case of measles of the year.
The case was confirmed in an 11-month-old resident who had recently traveled to the Philippines, according to county health officials.
Officials said the infant was unimmunized and is currently hospitalized and added others may have been exposed at the following locations:
- Kaiser Permanente Otay Mesa Medical Office Pediatric Clinic (4650 Palm Ave.) on July 29 from 6 to 9 p.m., Aug. 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Aug. 5 from 4:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Kaiser Permanente Otay Mesa Medical Office Urgent Care and Pharmacy (4650 Palm Ave.) on Aug. 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center (9455 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.) on Aug. 5 from 8 to 10 p.m.
County Health and Human Services is currently working with Kaiser Permanente to identify those who may have been exposed to determine if they are at risk.
“Measles is a very contagious disease that can be spread easily by coughing, sneezing or being in the same room with an infected person,” Wilma Wooten, County public health officer, said. “Anyone who was at any of these specific locations at the dates and times listed above should watch for symptoms and call their health care provider if they show any signs of the disease.”
Measles developed seven to 21 days after exposure. Early symptom include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A distinctive red rash usually appears one to four days after early symptoms appear. The rash typically begins on the face and head then spreads downward and outward.
A person is considered contagious four days before the rash appears.
Anyone with symptoms is asked to call their doctor’s office in before visiting directly.
Complications from measles are more common in children younger than 5 years old and adults 20 years and older, though the risk is higher with children. Complications include diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. In severe instances, death can occur.
Since there is no treatment for measles, the best course is generally bed rest, fluids, and fever control medication. Those will other health problems may need treatment for those conditions.
