First Case of Measles Reported in Long Beach

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has confirmed the first case of measles in a Long Beach resident since 2015. The individual is an adult and is recovering at home. This case comes as an increase of measles cases has been seen throughout California, including several cases reported in Los Angeles County (excluding Long Beach) and one case reported in an Orange County resident.

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough and red, watery eyes. Measles spreads very easily by air and by direct contact with an infected person. Measles is contagious from approximately four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appears. People who become infected are contagious before they have symptoms and know they are infected. About 90% of people who have never been immunized against measles become ill seven to 21 days after exposure.

The Health Department is working with the neighboring health jurisdictions of Orange County and Los Angeles County to identify and notify residents of locations the infected individual visited while contagious. Health Department staff are notifying locations in Long Beach the person visited while contagious. Individuals who visited the following Long Beach locations at the times stated below may have been exposed to measles:

More information on places this individual visited while contagious can be found at the following sites:

• Orange County exposures can be found at www.ochealthinfo.com/measles.
• Los Angeles County exposures can be found at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

Anyone at the above locations during the dates and times specified should monitor for symptoms of measles for 21 days after being exposed. Those who think they may have measles should call their medical provider before arriving at the medical office to avoid exposing others to the virus.

The best way to protect yourself from measles is to get vaccinated. “All children and non-immune adults should be vaccinated against measles,” said City Health Officer Anissa Davis. “If you are unsure of your vaccination status, contact your provider to make sure you are up-to-date.” Visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules to learn more about vaccine schedules. 

The Long Beach Health Department continues to respond to a recent increase of measles by developing resources for local providers and residents, investigating cases of high suspicion and testing measles specimens in our Public Health Laboratory. Given the large amount of resources needed to respond to even one case, the Communicable Disease Control Program has pulled some of their Epidemiology Surge Team members who have been trained to respond to outbreaks to help assist with the measles response. The Health Department will continue to monitor and respond, and will notify the public if any additional exposures occur.

For more information regarding measles, please visit the Long Beach Health Department’s website at www.longbeach.gov/measles.