Measles Returns to Ventura County |
What Residents Need to Know |
For the first time since 2017, Ventura County has confirmed a case of measles, prompting local health officials to remind residents what symptoms to watch for and what to do if they believe they may have been exposed.
Ventura County Public Health announced the case on August 5, saying it was associated with international travel. Health officials have been working to identify and notify people who may have been exposed and to limit any further spread. (Ventura County HCA)
Several possible exposure locations were identified in Oxnard and Ventura between July 26 and August 2, including a Subway restaurant, Hacienda Furniture and Mattress, Cinemark Century Riverpark, Walgreens and Kaiser Permanente.
You can read the original reporting and complete exposure information in the Simi Valley Acorn article.
Why Measles Gets Public Health AttentionMeasles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for as long as two hours after an infected person has left an area. (CDC)
The good news is that vaccination provides strong protection. The CDC recommends two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine as the best protection against measles. Two doses are estimated to be about 97% effective at preventing the disease. (CDC)
Residents who are unsure whether they or their children are fully vaccinated should check their immunization records or contact their healthcare provider.
What Symptoms Should You Watch For?Measles symptoms typically begin about 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus, although public health officials may recommend monitoring for as long as 21 days following a possible exposure.
Early symptoms often include:
The rash often appears a few days after the initial fever and respiratory symptoms begin. (CDC)
Think You Were Exposed? Call Before You Go InOne of the most important things residents should know is not to simply walk into a doctor's office, urgent care or hospital waiting room if measles is suspected. If you believe you or your child may have been exposed, contact your healthcare provider immediately and explain the possible exposure. A provider can review your vaccination history, assess your risk and advise you about the next steps. (CDC)
If symptoms develop, call the healthcare facility before arriving. Because measles spreads so easily through the air, advance notice allows medical staff to make arrangements to evaluate a patient while reducing the possibility of exposing other patients and employees. (CDC)
Anyone who is sick should also stay home and avoid close contact with others while awaiting medical guidance, particularly contact with infants, pregnant people, those with weakened immune systems and people who are not immune to measles.
Seek emergency medical attention if symptoms become severe, particularly with difficulty breathing, dehydration, confusion or rapidly worsening illness.
A Good Time to Check Your RecordsWhile one confirmed case does not mean everyone in Ventura County is at immediate risk, it is a useful reminder to know your family's vaccination status and to take a possible exposure seriously.
Measles can spread before an infected person realizes they have it, which is why early communication with healthcare providers and public health officials is particularly important. (CDC)
For residents concerned about a possible exposure, Ventura County Public Health has established a Measles Information Line at 805-652-7599.
The key takeaway: If you think you may have been exposed, don't panic—but don't ignore it either. Check your vaccination status, watch for symptoms and call your healthcare provider before showing up for medical care. |
11 Comments
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Went to that Walgreens on the list a couple times in late July. Checked my records and I have both MMR doses so I think I am okay. Still a little unsettling to see a place you visit regularly on an exposure list.
I used to work at a pediatric clinic and the call ahead rule was drilled into us constantly. So glad they included that here. Most people really do just walk right in.
One case linked to international travel and we are issuing information lines and exposure alerts? Seems like a lot for one case but I guess measles spreads fast so maybe fair enough.
The tip about calling ahead before going to urgent care is so important and nobody talks about it. Last thing you want to do is sit in a waiting room full of people.
Carlos IbarraSeriously, this should be at the top of every article about any contagious illness. I feel like most people's first instinct is to just drive to urgent care and that can make things so much worse for everyone else in that waiting room.
Had measles as a little kid before the vaccine was available to us. High fever, the rash, the whole thing. Took weeks to fully recover. Get your kids vaccinated, it is not worth it.
Greg P.My mom tells the same story. She had it as a kid and said it was miserable for weeks. People forget how bad it actually was before the vaccine became standard. Your point stands.
My kids are up to date on MMR but I never knew the virus could just hang in the air for two hours after someone leaves a room. That part really got me.
Good reminder to actually dig out those immunization records. I honestly have no idea where mine are from when I was a kid.
I was at Cinemark Century Riverpark during that window. Called my doctor this morning just to be safe. Really glad they listed the specific locations.
Debra M.We were there around that same time too. Good call on reaching out to your doctor. Better to check and find out you're fine than to just hope for the best.