The first case of measles has been confirmed, announced today The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced on Friday the first case of measles in a resident since August
The patient, whose identity was not revealed, had recently traveled abroad, the department said. No public exposure sites have been identified in Los Angeles County outside of a healthcare setting.
Affected healthcare facilities are directly notifying patients and staff who may have been exposed.
An epidemiologist from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health offers information about the disease and how to protect yourself
Public Health is also identifying other people who may have been in contact with the case and verifying their measles vaccination status.
“Measles is a serious respiratory disease that is easily transmitted through the air and on surfaces, particularly among people who are not protected from it,” Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said in a statement.
“A person can spread the disease before showing symptoms, and it can take seven to 21 days for symptoms to appear after exposure. Measles can cause serious illness in young children and vulnerable adults.”
There have been 588 confirmed cases of measles in the country, the highest number of measles cases in January since the United States achieved elimination status in 2000, according to the department. Most of these cases are linked to an ongoing measles outbreak in South Carolina and another outbreak in Arizona and Utah.
Two cases have recently been reported in Orange County, one in a young adult who had traveled internationally and another in a young child.
Common symptoms of the virus include fever, cough, red and watery eyes, and a rash that usually starts on the head and spreads. The virus is transmitted through the air and by direct contact with an infected person. An infection can spread the virus for up to four days before the rash is visible.
This story was translated from English with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. A Telemundo Digital editor reviewed the translation.
