Measles case in Fresno County was unvaccinated adult, officials say

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Two local health departments are joining forces to spread awareness about the exposure of measles in the Valley.

It comes after it was confirmed a Fresno County resident was confirmed to have the virus, the first in two years in the county.

"They felt really bad, they got the full sort of syndrome of measles," said Fresno Co. Interim Public Health Officer, Dr. Rais Vohra.

Health officials say the person who is from Fresno County was not vaccinated and had traveled internationally.

Health officials say the person was not infectious during the flight.

The person got sick in the middle of last week and is now quarantining at home and recovering.

Officials add that the person also went to an event on March 2 in Madera County, where about 200 people were present.

"The problem with measles is it's extremely infectious, even with a 96 percent vaccination rate, if you have an event with 200 people, if 96 percent are vaccinated that means there's eight people who are not, that's just in the general population," said Dr. Paul Simon with the Madera County Public Health Department.

They say the risk to people in both Madera and Fresno counties remains low, but they are searching for families with babies as they are not able to get the shot until 12 to 15 months old.

"Any infants that are exposed are at high risk as well so that's really who we're looking for as far as contacts at the event are people who know they were not immunized or infants or somebody who's immunosuppressed for medical reasons who might be at high risk," said Dr. Simon.

Right now, the State Health Department is reporting there are five confirmed cases in California.

Measles are highly contagious, and departments urge individuals who may have been exposed to monitor for symptoms and ensure they are up to date on their MMR vaccine.

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