Public health officials in Ventura County confirmed Wednesday the first local case of measles since 2017. The case is related to international travel, and officials are conducting an investigation to verify potential exposure locations and prevent further transmissions.

Measles Symptoms and Risks

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through airborne particles that are usually ejected by an infected person coughing or sneezing and can remain in the air for up to two hours. Symptoms of measles usually appear within seven to 14 days after exposure and can last up to ten days and usually include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes.

A characteristic rash typically appears three to five days after the first symptoms, starting at the hairline and spreading down across the body. About one in five people who get measles are hospitalized, and severe complications from the virus can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and death, especially in vulnerable people.

People who were at specific locations at certain times may be at risk, and Ventura County Public Health strongly encourages those who were at these locations and are experiencing symptoms to take precautions.

Ventura County has established a Measles Information Line for the public at 805-652-7599. The California Department of Public Health has a webpage with information about measles across the state, and the U.S. Centers for Diseases Control has a webpage tracking measles cases nationwide.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.