Measles | KCDPH

What is Measles?

What is Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads from person-to-person. A person with measles can spread the disease to others even before they have any symptoms. Most people who have not been immunized against measles will get it if they have contact with the virus.

Measles is spread through a cough or sneeze by a person with measles and can still infect others 2 hours after the infected person has left a room. People with measles are contagious from 4 days before until 4 days after the rash appears. The incubation period for developing measles is up to 21 days after being exposed to someone else who has the disease.

Symptoms

Signs of the disease include but are not limited to:

High Fever (over 101°F)
Cough
Runny nose
Red watery eyes
A rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body

If you think that you or someone in your family has measles or has been exposed to measles, contact your doctor's office right away. Let them know you might have measles before you go in, so they can take steps to prevent other patients and staff from being exposed.

For more information on measles - CDPH

Attention Parents!

Provide your children with safe and long-lasting protection against measles by making sure they get the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine according to CDC's recommended immunization schedule.

CDC recommends two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine for:

Children: one dose at 12 months of age and another at 4–6 years.

Older children, adolescents and adults without documented doses of MMR vaccine.

Talk to your health care provider or visit MyTurn.ca.gov to make a vaccine appointment.

Unsure if you’re vaccinated against measles? Check your CA Digital Vaccine Record (DVR) or ask your healthcare provider. If no records exist, get vaccinated.

Prevention

The best way to keep from getting and spreading measles is to get the measles immunization. Measles immunization is available at your doctor’s office, local pharmacy or health clinic. The Kings County Department of Public Health - Immunization Clinic accepts most Medi-Cal, Medicare and private insurance plans. Please call 559 584-1401 for verification. We recommend that all families who have a primary care physician remain under his or her care.

Healthcare Providers - Should I Test for Measles?

A Guide for California Healthcare Providers

Click here

Reporting:

IMMEDIATELY report suspected measles cases to the local health jurisdiction, Communicable Disease Investigation Program while the patient is still at the facility.
- KCDPH Communication Disease Investigation (CDI) Program
  - Phone (559) 584-1401 (Monday - Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm)
- Afterhours (Friday afternoons, after-hours, weekends, or holidays).
  - Phone (559) 852 - 2720, ask for public health afterhours contact.

The CPDH measles laboratory guidance includes specimen collection instructions for details on storage, labeling, and shipping. Please consult with your contracted laboratory provider for their preferred method of collection.