LOS ANGELES –The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) continues to monitor for measles cases and to identify others who may have come in contact with persons with measles likely associated with the Disneyland / Disney California Adventure Park reported cases.
To date, there are 10 lab confirmed cases of measles in Los Angeles County. Nine of these are confirmed to be linked to the Disneyland cases (excluding counts in Long Beach and Pasadena).
“Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads from person to person from coughing and/or sneezing” said Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, MD, MPH, Interim Health Officer for Los Angeles County. “To protect public health and prevent further spread of the measles, we urge residents who are unimmunized to get the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against disease.”
To protect the public’s health and prevent further spread of disease, Public Health has protocols in place for those that have contagious diseases or who are at high risk of developing such diseases and spreading it to others. The Department reports all measles cases in Los Angeles County to the California Department of Public Health, investigates all cases in the county, and identifies potential contacts to try to prevent additional measles cases. If identified quickly, unvaccinated measles contacts may receive vaccine and be protected from developing the disease. In other situations, unvaccinated individuals may be restricted in their movement and activities which may include exclusion from school or work.
Measles can spread quickly to those who are not immune. Common signs and symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, and a rash all over the body. The incubation period for developing measles is up to 21 days after being exposed to someone else who has the disease.
If you are unsure of your vaccination status or may have had contact with someone with the measles, consult with your doctor to have a test to check for measles immunity or to receive vaccination. If you are ill, you should first contact your health care provider by phone so that measures can be taken to prevent spread in the doctor’s offices.
The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises nearly 4,000 employees and has an annual budget exceeding $900 million. To learn more about Public Health and the work we do please visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov, visit our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/lapublichealth, find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lapublichealth, or follow us on Twitter: @LAPublicHealth.