Los Angeles County had another measles case this week, involving either a resident or traveler. Officials are freaking out and telling everyone to check if they got their shots. The latest case is the fourth this year, and it’s someone who just flew in from another country, according to the county Department of Public Health. The measles person wasn’t contagious while traveling, but now everyone’s worried about who they might have infected. Healthcare places are reaching out to patients and workers who might have been exposed, but they’re not saying where exactly. Measles is super contagious and can stick around on surfaces and in the air for hours after the sick person leaves. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads everywhere.
Dr. Muntu Davis, the county health officer, is all about that vaccine life, especially with summer travel picking up. Babies should get their first measles shot between 12 to 15 months old, followed by a second dose between 4 and 6 years old. But if they’re going abroad before age 1, they should get a shot at 6 months old and two more after their first birthday. Having two doses is like 97% protection against measles, officials say.
Schools in California and child-care centers need kids to have their measles shots, except for those with a medical pass. Parents can skip vaccines for kids in independent study programs, though. Before the measles vaccine came out in 1963, like 400 to 500 people died every year from it, with a bunch ending up in the hospital. Two people in L.A. County got measles this year after trips to Texas and Taiwan, where measles is rampant. Another person from out of town tested positive after landing in South Korea.
The U.S. is having a rough time with measles this year, with 935 cases already on record. Most cases are in kids aged 5 to 19 and those 4 and under. Almost all of them weren’t vaccinated, CDC data shows. This year’s measles count is the second-highest in 25 years, just behind 2019’s record. Three people have died from measles — two kids in Texas and an adult in New Mexico, all unvaccinated.
L.A. County is telling peeps to call their doctor if they might have been near the measles person, especially if they’re pregnant or have a weak immune system. If symptoms show up, stay home and avoid crowds. Oh, and definitely don’t go to a hospital without giving them a heads up about the measles situation.
Measles can spread four days before the rash shows up and four days after, meaning people can get sick about a week to three weeks after exposure if they’re not protected. So, like, make sure you’re up to date on your vaccines, peeps!
