Up to 300 Individuals Could Have Been Exposed to Measles in California Hospital Due To Child's Case; Authorities Are Trying To Contact Involved People

Officials are trying to get in touch with roughly 300 individuals who could have been exposed to measles in the UC Davis Medical Center Emergency Department, when an infected child received treatment on March 5.

300 Individuals Possibly Exposed to Measles

Based on a recent statement, representatives of Sacramento County Public Health (SCPH) revealed that a child who had measles went to the UC Davis Medical Center Emergency Department from 12.pm to 5 p.m. on March 5. A spokesperson notes that around 300 individuals who were present in the emergency department by that time could have been exposed to measles.

Viral exposure is most dangerous for individuals who have not received full vaccines against measles, as full shots are significantly protective.

Officials share that individuals with unknown vaccination status or who were not vaccinated entirely and who were present in the emergency department during that time have a risk of getting measles 7 to 21 days post-exposure.

In consultation with health officers of the local county, UC Davis Health is now reaching out to everyone who could have been exposed back then.

As for the boy infected with measles, he is now recovering in his own home.

ALSO READ : Measles Cases Continue to Rise in the US; Should It Be a Vaccine Wake-Up Call?

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious condition that could result in complications and even turn deadly. It typically starts with mild or moderate fever, coupled by a runny nose, cough, and watery/red eyes. There are cases where patients report nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

In general, a blotchy and red rash first appears on the face and then rapidly spreads to the back, chest, feet, and thighs. It spreads respiratorily and can stay in the air for up to one hour when an infected person sneezes or coughs.

Symptomatic individuals can spread the conditions from four days prior to four days after the rash shows up. However, asymptomatic individuals can also spread the condition.

Measles can lead to grave health implications, especially among individuals below 5 years old. It is also known to lead to chronic effects on the immune system.

Roughly 1 in 5 measles patients in the US get hospitalized, while 1 in 1,000 develop brain swelling that could foster brain damage. Around 1 to 3 in 1,000 end up dying due to the infection, despite receiving medical attention.

Since the start of the year, 45 total measle cases have been reported across 17 states. Last year, the total recorded cases was 58.

The best way to protect oneself against measles is vaccination. Two shots of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine has a 97% effectiveness when it comes to disease prevention. Children are recommended to get their first vaccination at 12 to 15 months of age, while the second one is recommended at the age of four to six years.

Adults who only received one dose or who have not gotten vaccinated at all can also receive a shot. However, there are exceptions. For instance, pregnant or severely immunocompromised individuals are not advised to get vaccinated.