County Health Officials Encourage Measles Vaccine Ahead Of Spring Break

SAN DIEGO, CA — Spring has finally sprung, which means spring break is around the corner.

With rising cases of measles in the country, San Diego County public health officials are encouraging residents to get vaccinated against the disease before spring break.

Texas and New Mexico are centers of large outbreaks, but there have been more than 400 confirmed measles cases across 19 states and at least two deaths.

Although San Diego County has not had any reported case this year, officials warned new cases could rise with people traveling to and from the region.

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in existence. It spreads through droplets in the air when a person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for hours.

"If you have traveled internationally or nationally near an outbreak area and are experiencing the symptoms of measles, call your healthcare provider immediately," said Dr. Seema Shah, medical director of the county's Epidemiology and Immunization Services. "Measles isn't just a fever and rash. It can be a very dangerous illness, especially for young children and babies."

Infants under 12 months are most at risk because they have not had their measles vaccine yet, officials said. Children older than a year old who are not immunized and people with compromised or weakened immune systems are also at high risk.

About 1 out of every 1,000 measles cases in a child results in death, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and fatigue. A red rash usually appears one to four days after symptoms begin, starting at the head and then spreading to the lower body. There is no cure or treatment.

"The best way to prevent measles and protect your child from getting sick is with a vaccine," Shah said. "Getting the measles vaccine is safer than getting the measles."