March 17, 2024 - The Merced County Department of Public Health has confirmed a probable measles exposure in the community. Public Health has identified exposures and is currently working with those exposed individuals and providers in the community. 

Public Health encourages residents to confirm their measles vaccination status with their healthcare provider or by visiting CDPH | My Vaccine Record to access their digital vaccine record. 

Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. The infected person can spread the disease up to four days before a measles rash appears and up to four days after the rash appears. If an individual has not had measles in the past and has not yet obtained the vaccine, he or she may be at risk of contracting measles if exposed.

Early symptoms of measles can include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes)

It is recommended that people with measles symptoms wear a mask, preferably a KN95 or N95, and call your doctor before entering a healthcare facility. Children younger than five, pregnant women, and those who are immunocompromised are at high risk. Measles can be prevented with the MMR vaccine.

“The best way to protect yourself and your family against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases is by immunization,” said Dr. Salvador Sandoval, Merced County Health Officer.

To obtain the measles vaccination, call your healthcare provider or the local Public Health Department at (209) 381-1023. For more information on measles, visit the CDC | Measles.

Source: Merced County