With Spring Break on the horizon and rising cases of measles in the United States, San Diego County public health officials are encouraging residents Tuesday to get vaccinated.
Texas and New Mexico are centers of large outbreaks, and there are more than 400 confirmed cases across 19 states with two deaths.
San Diego County has not had any reported case this year, but with people traveling to and from the region, precautions are advised.
"If you have traveled internationally or nationally near an outbreak area and are experiencing the symptoms of measles, call your healthcare provider immediately," said Dr. Seema Shah, medical director of the county Epidemiology and Immunization Services. "Measles isn't just a fever and rash. It can be a very dangerous illness, especially for young children and babies."
Measles is an extremely contagious respiratory infection that spreads through droplets in the air when a person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for hours. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, around 1 out of every 1,000 cases presenting in a child results in death.
Children less than a year old are most at risk because they have not had their measles vaccine yet. Children over 12 months who are not immunized and people with compromised or weakened immune systems are also at high risk, a statement from the county read.
Symptoms of measles can include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and fatigue. A red rash usually appears one to four days after symptoms begin, starting at the head and then spreading to the lower body. There is no cure or treatment.
"The best way to prevent measles and protect your child from getting sick is with a vaccine," Shah said. "Getting the measles vaccine is safer than getting the measles."
Some adults vaccinated between 1963 and 1967 may need a booster shot.
For those interested in more information about measles, other vaccine- preventable diseases and the shots that protect against them, visit the County's Immunization Branch online.
