San Diego County Reports Second Measles Case, Urges Vigilance and Vaccination
San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency has confirmed the second case of measles this year, involving a 47-year-old resident who recently returned from overseas travel. This case is unrelated to the previous one reported in February 2024, which involved an unvaccinated infant who had also traveled abroad.
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San Diego
The affected adult is currently hospitalized and may have exposed others at various locations in Encinitas and Carlsbad. County health authorities, in collaboration with Scripps Encinitas Hospital and Scripps Coastal Medical Center, are actively identifying and following up with patients and staff who may have come into contact with the individual.
Additionally, Public Health Services is working with several establishments listed below, and possibly others, to identify and notify staff who may have been exposed:
Naked Café, Encinitas, on March 22, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Ralph’s Market, Encinitas, on March 22, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Leo Mullen Sports Park, Encinitas, on March 23, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Trader Joe’s, Encinitas, on March 24, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Kingdom Hall Jehovah’s Witness, Encinitas, on March 24, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tinleaf Fresh Kitchen, Carlsbad, on March 25, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Ralph’s Market, Encinitas, on March 25, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Scripps Coastal Medical Center Encinitas, on March 28, 2024, from 8:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Scripps Encinitas Hospital Emergency Department, from 4:10 p.m. on March 29, 2024, to 1:30 a.m. on March 30, 2024.
Public Health will assess the vaccination status of individuals present at the aforementioned locations and evaluate their risk of contracting measles.
Dr. Ankita Kadakia, County deputy public health officer, emphasized the contagious nature of measles and urged anyone present at the specified locations and times to monitor themselves for symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary. She advised individuals experiencing symptoms to call their doctor’s office in advance to implement infection control measures.
Measles typically manifests within seven to 21 days after exposure, with early symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a distinct rash. Contagion is possible four days before and after the rash appears.
Preventive measures include vaccination, particularly for international travelers, with infants aged 6-12 months receiving one dose and older travelers receiving two doses at least four weeks apart.
Complications from measles, such as diarrhea, ear infection, and pneumonia, are more common in children, with severe complications posing a risk of death, especially among young children and adults. Treatment primarily involves rest, fluid intake, and fever management, with additional interventions for complications as needed.
