Riverside County health officials Friday reported a localized measles outbreak in Western Riverside County as the number of cases in the county this year increased to three.
Health officials said the two new cases were reported in an adult, who said they were vaccinated, and a child between the ages of 5 and 8, who was not vaccinated, and who live in different homes. Both were said to be recovering at their respective homes. Officials said the cases had possible links to the first case reported earlier this week.
According to Barbara Cole, director for disease control with Riverside University Health System — Public Health (RUHS-PH), a localized outbreak is defined as three or more cases occurring in a specific geographic area.
“At this point, it’s a possibility there could be additional cases,” Cole said. “They may not even be linked to the three we’re talking about since there’s measles activity surrounding us in other jurisdictions, so there’s always a possibility we could identify additional cases or we may not.”
Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky said in a release that the new cases underscored the highly contagious nature of the virus, which lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. The virus is spread to others through coughing and sneezing and can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area.
Stay up to date with the latest from The Record. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter today!
If a person has measles, up to 90% of the people close to them, who are not immune, will also become infected. Some vaccinated individuals might also get the virus if they are exposed or have prolonged, close contact with someone who has the virus. This generally occurs if a person’s immune system fails to respond to the vaccine as it should or ability to fight the virus has decreased over time.
“We can’t say 100% no one would ever get it if they’re vaccinated,” Cole said. “But they have greater protection if they’ve been vaccinated against measles or had the disease.”
Cole said RUHS-PH was continuing its investigation into whether anyone else might have been exposed to the virus, but said that the general public should not be concerned, though she stressed the importance of vaccination.
“Measles is highly contagious, so it’s easily spread through the air from one person to another, so the best preventive measure is being vaccinated,” she said.
Signs of measles are typically observed 10-14 days after exposure to the virus and include a prominent rash and fever followed by a runny nose, cough and pink eye. More severe symptoms can include pneumonia and brain swelling. Those infected with the virus can spread measles roughly four days before the rash starts to four days after.
People who suspect they or a family member might have the virus are urged to contact their healthcare provider to describe their symptoms before seeking care to ensure proper precautions are being taken.
Those who are unsure of their vaccination status can request their vaccine record here or ask their healthcare provider. If there is no record of vaccination, getting a vaccine is highly recommended.
RUHS-PH has more information about measles, including answers to frequently asked questions about vaccination and treatment, on its website here.
The Riverside Record is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news outlet providing Riverside County with high-quality journalism free of charge. We’re able to do this because of the generous donations of supporters like you!