An additional adult and child in Western Riverside County with possible links to the first case have tested positive for measles, according to public health officials with Riverside University Health System — Public Health (RUHS – PH). This marks the third confirmed case of measles in Riverside County this year.
Health officials reported that the adult verbally indicated having previously received a measles vaccination. The child was not vaccinated. Both individuals are recovering at their homes.
“These additional cases of measles underscore the disease’s highly contagious nature,” Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky said.
Measles lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person and can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses or mouths, they can become infected.
Measles can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area.
If someone has measles, up to 90% of the people close to them, who are not immune, will also become infected, according to health officials. Additionally, some vaccinated individuals may still get measles if they are exposed or have prolonged, close contact with someone infected with the virus. This can occur if their immune system’s ability to fight infection has decreased over time or doesn’t respond to the vaccine as it should. Disease symptoms are generally milder in vaccinated people.
“Now is the perfect time to make sure you and your family are vaccinated against measles,” Dr. Chevinsky said.
Individuals who are unsure of their vaccination status can check the CA Digital Vaccine Record (DVR) or ask their healthcare provider.
To get vaccinated, talk to your healthcare provider or visit one of Public Health’s upcoming vaccine clinics. All clinics accept walk-in appointments. Cost and eligibility vary. For questions and clinic locations, call 951-358-7125 or visit www.ruhealth.org/vaccineclinics.
