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Source: County News Service
March 31, 2024 (San Diego)—An adult who contracted measles overseas may have exposed others to measles in late March at multiple locations in Encinitas and Carlsbad, the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency announced Sunday.
There are measles outbreaks currently in 46 nations and 17 U.S. states. The Centers for Disease Control recently updated its guidelines for travelers regarding measles.
“Measles is a very contagious disease that can be spread easily by coughing, sneezing, or being in the same room with an infected person,” said Ankita Kadakia, M.D., County deputy public health officer. “Anyone who was at any of the specific locations and at the dates and times listed (see below) should watch for symptoms and call their health care provider if they show any signs of the disease.”
This is the second measles case in San Diego County this year; the earlier case involved an unvaccinated infant who had also traveled overseas. These cases are not linked.
The adult is currently hospitalized, but may have exposed others at a number of locations in Encinitas and Carlsbad. County Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch Immunization Unit staff members are working with Scripps Encinitas Hospital and Scripps Coastal Medical Center to identify and follow up with patients and staff.
In addition, County Public Health Services is working with the multiple sites listed below, and potentially others, to identify and follow up with staff who may have been exposed.
March 22, 2024
Naked Café
288 N El Camino Real, Suite C
Encinitas, CA 92024
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Ralph’s Market
125 N. El Camino Real
Encinitas, CA 92024
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
March 23, 2024
Leo Mullen Sports Park
951 Via Cantebria
Encinitas, CA 92024
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
March 24, 2024
Trader Joe’s
115 N El Camino Real
Encinitas, CA 92024
11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Kingdom Hall Jehovah’s Witness
1821 S Camino Real
Encinitas, CA 92024
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
March 25, 2024
Tinleaf Fresh Kitchen
6985 El Camino Real #108
Carlsbad, CA 92009
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Ralph’s Market
125 N El Camino Real
Encinitas, CA 92024
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
March 28, 2024
Scripps Coastal Medical Center Encinitas
477 N El Camino Real
Encinitas, CA 92024
8:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
March 29-30, 2024
Scripps Encinitas Hospital Emergency Department
354 Santa Fe Drive
Encinitas, CA 92024
4:10 p.m. on March 29 to 1:30 p.m. on March 30 2024
Public Health will determine if people at the above locations have been vaccinated and their potential for developing measles.
People with symptoms are asked to call their doctor’s office in advance, rather than visit an office directly, so that infection control measures may be activated to prevent exposure to others.
Measles develops seven to 21 days after exposure. Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. The distinctive red rash usually appears one to four days after early symptoms appear. A person is considered contagious four days before and four days after the rash appears. The rash typically begins on the face and head, then proceeds downward and outward to the hands and feet. It fades in the same order it began, from head to feet.
“The best way to prevent measles is by getting the measles vaccine,” said Kadakia. “With measles outbreaks occurring in several countries, it is very important that all international travelers get vaccinated. Infants between 6 and 12 months of age who travel should get one dose, and travelers over 12 months of age should get two doses at least four weeks apart.”
Complications from measles are more common in children younger include diarrhea, ear infection, and pneumonia. Death can occur from severe complications and the risk is higher among younger children and adults.
There is no treatment for measles. Bed rest, fluids, and fever control are recommended. People with complications may need treatment for their specific problems.
For more information about measles, other vaccine-preventable diseases and the shots that protect against them, please call the HHSA Immunization Branch at (866) 358-2966 or visit the website at www.sdiz.org.
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