A teenage girl was on vacation from Europe when she traveled through the South Valley. Officials say she inadvertently exposed her family and may have passed the virus on to hundreds of other people in the area.
"The measles is an extremely infectious disease and can be very serious. People can end up in the hospital, people can die. It can become a very serious illness," said Dr. Claudia Jonah a Kern County Health Officer.
Health officials say anyone who has not received the measles vaccine can contract the virus between eight and 21 days after exposure. Common symptoms include a fever accompanied by a cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and rashes all over the body.
Experts say if you develop these symptoms stay home and immediately contact your health care provider.
