Orange County Health Care Agency officials Thursday reported that an infant who has traveled internationally has been infected with measles.
“Measles is highly contagious,” said Dr. Anissa Davis, a deputy county health officer. “Anyone planning domestic or international travel — or hosting visitors — should be fully vaccinated at least two weeks beforehand. Infants less than a year old who are traveling internationally should receive one dose of MMR vaccine before departure. Adults and others who are not immune remain at risk, especially as outbreaks continue across the country and worldwide. Vaccination is the best protection.”
There have been 1,792 measles cases in the country so far this year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last year saw 2,267 cases, which was the highest total in three decades, officials said.
So far this year there have been three cases of measles reported in Orange County.
Measles symptoms include fever, cough, red-watery eyes and a rash that usually starts on the head and spreads over the rest of the body, officials said. It is the most contagious disease and spreads through the air and by direct contact with the infected person. People can be contagious for about four days before they notice a rash.
Anyone who thinks they may have measles is encouraged to call their doctor before going to a medical office to avoid spreading it. Experts say vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles.