A resident of San Diego County who likely contracted the measles while traveling out of the country may have exposed the public at two Scripps Health facilities to the virus.
The infected person may have exposed people at Scripps Coastal Medical Center Urgent Care in Vista, Calif., to the virus on March 8 from 7:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. and on March 9 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. The patient may have also exposed individuals from 6:00 p.m. March 9 to 8:00 a.m. March 10 at Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas (Calif.).
Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox
"Measles is a very contagious disease that can be spread easily by coughing, sneezing or being in the same room with an infected person," said Wilma Wooten, MD, public health officer with the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency. "Anyone who was at any of these specific locations at these times should watch for symptoms and contact their healthcare provider, by telephone first, if they show any signs of the disease."
The county health department is working to contact individuals known to be at these locations during the possible times of exposure.
Measles is a highly communicable viral disease and can easily spread to those who have not been vaccinated. The illness causes fever, runny nose, cough and a rash that spreads all over the body. The condition can be fatal.
To learn more about the measles, click here.
More articles on infection control:
3 women lose sight after loosely regulated stem cell treatment: 7 things to know
Study: Antibiotics ineffective treatment for children with mild eczema
WHO: Zika is still a threat