Two new cases of measles in Los Angeles County residents are under investigation, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Heath said in a news release Friday.
The latest cases were related to cases reported earlier in the month, the Department of Public Health said. There were no exposure locations immediately identified by the department.
The Department of Public Health urged residents, especially people who have been traveling internationally or have not been fully protected against the disease, to get measles, mumps and rebella (MMR) immunization to protect themselves.
"For those who are not protected, measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that initially causes fever, cough, red, watery eyes, and, finally, a rash," Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, said in a statement. "Measles spreads by air and by direct contact, even before you know you have it. The MMR immunization is a very effective measure to protect yourself and to prevent the unintentional spread of this potentially serious infection to others."
According to the Department of Pubic Health, "Measles is considered among the most contagious viruses in the world. About 90% of people who have never been immunized against measles become ill 7-21 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 from one person to another up to 4 days before the onset of rash."
Measles immunizations are available at healthcare providers, local pharmacies or health clinics, and Department of Public Health clinics offer no or low-cost immunizations for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. To find a nearby Public Health clinic or get more information, call 211 or visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/measles
