The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating two additional confirmed cases of measles in Los Angeles County residents. These cases are linked to two cases reported earlier this month, which together account for a four-case outbreak involving a close social group. Public Health has not identified any public exposure locations associated with these cases at this time.

With the ongoing occurrence of measles outbreaks in the United States and internationally, there is an increased risk of measles when traveling at this time. Public Health urges residents, especially those who have not been fully protected against measles and those who travel internationally, to get measles, mumps and rubella immunization to protect themselves and prevent the spread of measles.

Currently, there have been 14 measles cases among Los Angeles County residents in 2019, in addition to eight non-resident measles cases that traveled through Los Angeles County. The majority of cases to date were unvaccinated. This outbreak is not connected to outbreak that occurred in April.

“The MMR immunization is a very effective measure to protect yourself and to prevent the unintentional spread of this potentially serious infection to others,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer.

Measles is considered among the most contagious viruses in the world. About 90% of people who have never been immunized against measles become ill seven to 21 days after exposure. Infected people can infect those around them before they have symptoms and know they are infected. Common symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (red eyes) and a rash which usually appears 10 to 21 days after the exposure. The measles virus can be transmitted up to four days before the onset of rash.

Individuals should contact their healthcare provider by phone before going in if they develop measles symptoms, so measures can be taken to prevent possible spread to others in the provider’s waiting room. They should also tell their doctor or other healthcare provider if they traveled internationally or had international visitors in the last 21 days or had exposure to another person with measles.

Measles immunizations are available at healthcare providers, local pharmacies or health clinics. Public Health clinics offer no- or low-cost immunizations for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. To find a nearby Public Health clinic, call 211 or visit publichealth.lacounty.gov/chs/phcenters.htm.

For information, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/measles or call 211.