On Tuesday, San Luis Obispo Public Health officials confirmed that an adult resident of the county has the measles virus. The Department investigates all cases of measles in the county and identifies potential contacts to try to prevent additional spread of measles.
The unvaccinated adult had contact with international travelers over the holidays, showed symptoms of measles starting January 3rd and visited Twin Cities Community Hospital emergency department on January 8th and 9th. The hospital is in the process of verifying that exposed staff members have been fully vaccinated against the measles virus. Exposed hospital patients and visitors are being contacted. The confirmed measles patient is cooperating with the Department’s investigation to determine if any additional individuals were exposed to the highly contagious virus.
“Measles is a serious disease that can be easily prevented,” said County of San Luis Obispo Deputy Health Officer Dr. Christy Mulkerin. “Vaccination is the best way to protect against measles. Two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine are approximately 97 percent effective at preventing disease in exposed persons.”
The case in San Luis Obispo County follows a recent outbreak of measles in Los Angeles County and one case in neighboring Santa Barbara County. It is currently not known if the cases are related.
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