The Californer - Long Beach Health Department Confirms Measles Case Linked to International Travel

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Long Beach, CA ~ A case of measles has been confirmed in a pediatric resident of Long Beach, California who recently returned from international travel. The individual has since recovered at home and the risk of local transmission is currently considered low. The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has reported that no further cases have been identified and the last reported case of measles in Long Beach was in 2019.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread through the air via coughing, sneezing, or being in close proximity to an infected person. Even up to one hour after an infected person has left the area, others can still be at risk of contracting the virus. Symptoms of measles include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that typically starts on the face and spreads downwards. While most people recover within two weeks, measles can lead to serious complications for certain individuals such as infants, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. These complications can include pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), or even death. Currently, there is no specific treatment for measles; care focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.

The Health Department is actively monitoring the situation by identifying potential exposure locations and notifying individuals who may have come into contact with the infected individual. They are also working closely with Long Beach Medical Center and other healthcare providers to increase awareness and preparedness through community education. In addition, they are conducting case investigations, performing laboratory testing, and reaching out to local healthcare providers to raise awareness about measles symptoms and vaccination recommendations. Due to the significant resources required to manage even a single case of measles, the Department's Communicable Disease and Emergency Response Bureau has been activated to support coordination and surveillance efforts.

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One potential exposure location has been identified as the Long Beach Medical Center Emergency Department located at 2801 Atlantic Ave., 90806. The infected individual visited this location while infectious on the following dates and times: 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, and 6:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, June 6. The Health Department advises anyone who was at this location during these times to check their vaccination status for measles. Those who are not fully vaccinated (two doses of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine) or are unsure of their vaccination status should monitor for symptoms until June 27, 2025. If symptoms develop, individuals should stay at home and immediately call a healthcare provider for guidance. Symptoms may appear between 7 and 21 days after exposure; after that date, there is no risk of becoming ill from this exposure.

The Health Department strongly recommends the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine as a safe and highly effective prevention measure against measles. Two doses of the vaccine are about 97% effective, while one dose provides about 93% protection. They advise that children receive the first dose at 12-15 months old and the second at 4-6 years old. Additionally, anyone born after 1957 who has not been vaccinated or is unsure of their status should receive the MMR vaccine.

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For those planning international travel, the Health Department recommends that babies between the ages of 6-11 months receive one dose of MMR vaccine before departure. They also stress the importance of ensuring that everyone over the age of 12 months is up to date with two doses of MMR vaccine before traveling; if not up to date, they should receive two doses at least 28 days apart.

MMR vaccines are readily available through healthcare providers, pharmacies, and the Health Department's Immunization Clinic. Most insurance plans cover the vaccine; however, uninsured or underinsured residents can access free or low-cost vaccination through state programs. With the summer months approaching and an increase in travel expected, the Health Department urges residents to check their MMR vaccination status and get vaccinated before traveling if they are not fully vaccinated or are unsure of their vaccination status.

For more information and resources on measles, individuals can visit longbeach.gov/measles or call the public information line at 562.570.7907. Media inquiries can be directed to Jennifer Gonzalez, Community Preparedness and Engagement Supervisor at the Department of Health and Human Services, at 562.570.4290 or Jennifer.Gonzalez@longbeach.gov.

Filed Under: Government, City

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