FRESNO, California – The Fresno County Department of Public Health has confirmed at least two cases of measles in a single Central Valley home.
Although the risk to the general population is low due to this current outbreak, health officials urge residents to ensure they are up-to-date with their measles vaccinations, particularly before traveling with young children to countries still experiencing outbreaks. of this disease.
Measles is a serious and highly contagious disease that is easily contracted by breathing air in a room that has been shared with an infected person.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (red eyes), and a rash that usually starts on the face and then spreads over the entire body.
According to medical experts, people who have symptoms of measles should stay home, check their vaccination status, and then contact their doctor by phone for instructions.
What to do if you have measles?
It is recommended that people with symptoms of measles wear a mask, preferably a KN95 or N95.
Children under five years of age, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are at high risk of requiring hospitalization or dying from pneumonia and neurological complications due to measles.”
Is there a cure for measles?
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for measles.
Medical experts point out that “the best measles prevention measure is to get vaccinated. The measles vaccine is given as part of the MMR vaccine, which also protects against mumps and rubella.”
How is the measles vaccine administered?
The MMR vaccine is given in two doses, the first dose at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age.
If a person is infected with measles, the symptoms will be much less severe if the person is vaccinated.
“These cases are reminders of the critical role of vaccines in protecting the community,” says Fresno County Health Officer Dr. Rais Vohra. “The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from measles is to get vaccinated. We urge all parents to work with their pediatrician or contact the health department to help get their child up to date on immunizations.”
For additional information on measles, visit www.fcdph.org/measles.
The Merced County Sheriff’s Office says the suspect was fleeing from authorities before the standoff.
