Bay Area health departments issued a joint statement Friday, warning people that measles is increasing nationally and that they should be up to date on their vaccinations.
The Bay Area Association of Health Officials (ABAHO) said:
“The best protection against measles is two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which protects for life. This is particularly important for anyone traveling internationally in the coming months.”
The group said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2024 there have been 64 confirmed cases of measles in 17 jurisdictions, and more than 90% of those cases are related to international travel. , as measles circulates in many regions of the world, including popular tourist and business destinations.
Most cases in the US have occurred among children 12 months or older who had not received the MMR vaccine.
“With three major airports, the Bay Area is a hub for international travel, increasing the potential for exposure to this highly contagious virus,” ABAH said in a statement. “For individuals or families planning to travel abroad, anyone who is not vaccinated against measles is at increased risk of becoming infected. Please plan ahead before traveling abroad and check your destination and the Global Health Notice for Measles Travel from the CDC for more travel health tips, including where measles outbreaks have been reported. Parents should check with their children’s healthcare provider before traveling.”
Officials said that after returning to the US, they should watch for signs and symptoms of measles for three weeks.
“While MMR vaccination rates have been high in the Bay Area, it is important to confirm vaccination history,” the group stated. “Having documentation of your vaccination status can help you avoid being quarantined if you are exposed. CDC is offering expedited vaccination guidelines for people, including children younger than 12 months, who plan to travel internationally.”
ABAHO said symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis (conjunctivitis), followed 2 to 4 days later by a rash. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infectious droplets or through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Infectious droplets can remain in the indoor air for several hours.
About one in five people infected with measles requires hospitalization, and nearly 1 to 3 in every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory and neurological complications, according to the CDC.
ABAHO said measles poses the greatest risk to children under 5 years old, adults over 20 years old, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems.
Vaccination is very effective in preventing measles. The MMR vaccine is recommended for children 12 to 15 months, with a second dose administered between 4 and 6 years.
Babies (6 to 12 months) can start getting vaccinated early before traveling abroad.
Adolescents and adults without evidence of immunity should be vaccinated immediately.
If you have questions about the MMR vaccine and immunization records, please consult with your healthcare provider and access your digital immunization record.
ABAHO is made up of health officials from Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, San Francisco, San Mateo, Solano, Sonoma and the city of Berkeley counties.
2024-03-29 23:02:30
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