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(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) – With cases of measles spreading across the U.S. and the anticipated increase of travel for spring break, Santa Barbara County Health Department advises residents who are not already immune to get vaccinated against the highly contagious disease. The best protection against measles infection is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Though some parts of the Country are already experiencing an increased number of cases, Santa Barbara County currently has no cases of measles. County Health is closely monitoring surveillance data and collaborating with local health care providers to ensure the community remains informed and protected.
“Measles is one of the most contagious and dangerous diseases, capable of causing severe pneumonia, brain complications, and even death. But there is good news! We have the ability to prevent it with the MMR vaccine.” said Health Officer Henning Ansorg of the Santa Barbara County Health Department “The MMR vaccine is safe, well tolerated, and incredibly effective—just one dose provides 93% protection against measles. Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. Get vaccinated and help prevent the spread of measles.”
Per the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Measles is one of the most contagious respiratory viral diseases, as it is easily spread by a person coughing or sneezing into the air. An individual can contract the disease by breathing in the virus or touching an infected surface and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. A person can get measles just by entering a room that an infected person visited up to two hours before.
Symptoms can include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash occurs. The rash starts as flat red spots on the face at the hairline and spreads downward to the rest of the body. Measles can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), and even death, particularly in children younger than 5 years of age, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
Here are some things you can do to prevent measles:
- Check vaccination status. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, your immunity to measles, or have never received the MMR vaccine, talk to your health care provider. You may be able to find your or your child’s vaccine records through California’s Vaccine Record site.
- Check your travel destination. Measles outbreaks are occurring in various parts of the U.S. and countries around the world. If you are traveling in the U.S., check the CDC’s Measles Cases and Outbreaks webpage. If you are traveling internationally, check the CDC’s Global Measles Travel Health webpage.
- Know the symptoms. Measles symptoms typically appear 7-21 days after exposure and include:
- A high fever (may spike to more than 104°F).
- Cough.
- Runny nose.
- Red, watery eyes.
- Rash (3-5 days after other symptoms begin).
If you develop these symptoms, stay away from others as much as possible and contact your health care provider immediately.
