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Health Officials Confirm Measles Cases In Sacramento County

Sacramento County Public Health on Wednesday said there are now three confirmed cases of measles in a Sacramento County family with a recent history of international travel. There was minimal exposure to the public and all potentially exposed individuals have been notified.

"We are working to educate the public about the risks of measles and the best prevention, which is vaccination," said Sacramento County Public Health Officer Dr. Olivia Kasirye. "I urge the public to get vaccinated against this potential deadly disease and want to remind parents that there is scientific evidence that shows there is no link between vaccinations and autism."

County health officials are strongly encouraging vaccinations for anyone one-year of age or older who have not already received the two-dose measles, mumps, and rubellavaccine series. If you are not sure about your vaccination history you are encouraged to check with doctor or other healthcare provider.

"One dose of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, provides up to 95 percent protection," noted Dr. Kasirye. "The second dose can be given as soon as a month after the first dose, which boosts protection to nearly 100 percent."

On Wednesday state health officials announced a Thursday morning news conference with an overview of measles cases in California, the importance of vaccination, and the public health response to date in California.

Also on Wednesday hundreds of opponents of mandatory vaccines packed the first legislative hearing on a bill that proponents say would stem bogus exemptions granted in many cases by doctors who are paid to excuse students from vaccinations by giving state public health officials control over exemptions. Supporters of the bill say pockets of unvaccinated students help to spread measles.

To learn more about measles click to either the Sacramento County Public Health Department or the California Department of Public Health.


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