Bay Area health officials issued a joint statement Friday warning the public to stay up-to-date on vaccinations as measles cases increase across the country.
“The best protection against measles is lifelong protection with two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine,” the Bay Area Association of Health Officials (ABAHO) said in a statement. This is especially important for those traveling abroad in the coming months. ”
The group said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there will be 64 confirmed measles cases in 17 jurisdictions in 2024, with measles endemic in many parts of the country. It said more than 90% of cases are linked to international travel. All over the world including popular tourist and business destinations.
Most cases in the United States occur in children over 12 months of age who have not received the MMR vaccine.
“The Bay Area is home to three major airports and serves as a hub for international travel, increasing the potential for exposure to this highly contagious virus,” ABAH said in a statement. “For individuals and families planning international travel, those who have not been vaccinated against measles are at increased risk of infection.
“Plan early before traveling internationally and check your destination and the CDC's Global Measles Travel Health Notice for more travel health advice, including where measles outbreaks have been reported. Protect. Children should consult their child's health care provider before traveling.”
Officials said to watch for signs and symptoms of measles for three weeks after returning to the United States.
The organization says, “MMR vaccination rates are high in the Bay Area, but it is important to check vaccination history.'' “Documenting your vaccination status can help you avoid isolation if you become infected. The CDC recommends rapid vaccination for anyone planning international travel, including children under 12 months of age. We provide guidelines.”
According to ABAHO, symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis, followed by a rash that appears two to four days later. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infectious droplets or through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Infectious droplets can remain in indoor air for several hours.
According to the CDC, about 1 in 5 people infected with measles requires hospitalization, and 1 to 3 in 1,000 children infected with measles develop respiratory and neurological complications. It is said that he will die.
ABAHO said measles poses the greatest risk to children under the age of five, adults over the age of 20, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
Vaccination is very effective in preventing measles. The MMR vaccine is recommended for children between the ages of 12 and 15 months, with the second dose given between her ages of 4 and 6.
Infants (6 to 12 months) can begin vaccinations early, before traveling abroad.
Teens and adults without evidence of immunity should be vaccinated immediately.
For questions about the MMR vaccine and your immunization record, contact your healthcare provider to access your digital vaccine record.
ABAHO is comprised of health officials from Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, San Francisco, San Mateo, Solano, and Sonoma counties and the City of Berkeley.
