SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – The fourth case of measles this year in San Diego County was confirmed Wednesday in a 13-month-old toddler who recently traveled abroad.
County health department officials said the child, who was not vaccinated, may have infected others between midnight and 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 20 at the Rady Grossmont Pediatric Unit at 5555 Grossmont Center Drive in La Mesa and between 2:15 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Aug. 25 at the Rady Children’s Emergency Department and Inpatient Unit 4 East at 3020 Children’s Way in San Diego.
Representatives from both hospitals worked with the county to contact patients and staff who may have been exposed to the contagious disease.
“Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be easily spread by coughing, sneezing or being in the same room as an infected person,” said Dr. Seema Shah, acting deputy county health officer.
According to the county, measles develops seven to 21 days after infection. Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A red rash usually appears one to four days after the first symptoms begin. The rash usually starts on the face and head and spreads to the hands and feet.
According to the county, complications from measles are more common in children under 5 and adults over 20. Complications can include diarrhea, middle ear infections and pneumonia. Severe complications can be fatal.
Health officials advised anyone experiencing symptoms to call their doctor first so infection control measures can be taken to prevent infecting others.
Before this year, the last confirmed case of measles in the county occurred in 2019. None of the four cases confirmed this year are related, but all are linked to international travel, according to the county.