The first instance of measles in seven years in Riverside County led health authorities to appeal for caution and preventive measures from locals on Thursday.
A patient from the eastern part of the county has recently been diagnosed with a measles infection and is currently recuperating at their residence. This information was provided by the Riverside University Health System.
The source of the contamination couldn't be confirmed, however, representatives from RUHS stated that the individual had journeyed abroad recently, though they did not specify which nation.
This marks the ninth confirmed case of measles in the state this year. The previously reported cases were identified in Fresno, Los Angeles, Orange, Placer, San Mateo, and Tuolumne counties, as stated by the California Department of Public Health.
People traveling abroad to regions where measles is currently spreading might face an increased risk of exposure," stated county Public Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky. "Ensure you verify whether your vaccinations are current, ideally at least fourteen days before departing internationally.
The final recorded instance of measles at the county level happened in 2018.
As measles cases persist across the country, it’s crucial to stay vigilant in recognizing symptoms of the disease... to quickly diagnose measles and stop further transmission," Chevinsky stated.
Some people have also raised concerns about whether unvetted foreigners joining the influx at the southern border over the past several years may have brought back certain contagious illnesses that were previously under control within the U.S.
Measles-mumps-rubella - MMR - vaccines and booster shots can be obtained via the local health department or at various clinics and doctor’s offices. These consultation sessions remain confidential.
According to RUHS, measles often starts with a fever lasting several days, which is then accompanied by symptoms like a runny nose, coughing, conjunctivitis — also known as pink eye — and a rash. These initial signs generally persist for four to seven days. Typically, the rash emerges initially on the face, particularly along the hairline and behind the ears, before spreading across the entire body. Individuals who contract measles become contagious from approximately four days prior to the onset of their rash until roughly four days after it appears.
Authorities stressed that staying quarantined at home during the entire period of infection is crucial to avoid spreading the virus within the community.
A major measles outbreak took place between December 2014 and April 2015 due to the virus being transmitted at Disneyland, affecting approximately 131 individuals.
In 2023, the CDPH reported four confirmed cases of measles throughout the state, which increased to 15 cases in 2024.
Details about vaccinations and medical care can be found here. www.ruhealth.org/vaccineclinics , or by dialing 951-358-7125.
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