By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

Measles

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reports investigating the 19th measles case of the year in a county resident.

Other people may have been exposed to measles since public locations were visited by the person with measles while infectious. The potential public exposure locations, days and times were as follows:

Date, Time, and Location

  • October 16, 2019, 7:50 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. – Starbucks, 3006 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90034
  • October 16, 2019, 9:15 a.m. to 8:35 p.m. – Disneyland Anaheim, CA

“For those who are not protected, measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that initially causes fever, cough, red, watery eyes, and, finally, a rash,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “Measles is spread by air and by direct contact even before you know have it. The MMR immunization is a very effective measure to protect yourself and to prevent the unintentional spread of this potentially serious infection to others.”

Influenza death

In addition, health officials confirmed the first flu-associated death for the 2019-2020 flu season. The individual who died was a middle-aged person with underlying health conditions.

H1N1 influenza virus particles/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

“We extend our condolences to the family for their loss. This is a sad reminder that the flu can be a serious illness, especially for the elderly, young children and people with weakened immune systems,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “I would like to remind everyone that even if you’re healthy, you can still get seriously sick from the flu and spread the illness to others. Immunization is the best method to protect yourself and reduce the likelihood of spreading the flu to others in your community.”

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Every year, thousands of people nationwide are hospitalized or die from flu-related illness. The 2018-19 season had 125 reported flu deaths in Los Angeles County. Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend flu immunization for everyone greater than 6 months old.