Measles on the rise

Measles are on the rise in California, likely due to individuals who have traveled recently to continents experiencing outbreaks of the highly contagious disease, according to a California Department of Public Health press release.

Since April, seven new cases of the disease have been reported in the state, bringing this year’s total to 13. Last year, 27 cases of measles were reported, compared to only nine in 2009. Of the cases reported so far this year, three were in Mendocino County, two were in Santa Clara County, and the rest were reported in other counties throughout the state, including one in Sacramento County.

Almost all affected individuals traveled to Europe, Asia or Africa, or had direct contact with someone who had recently traveled internationally. In France, more than 9,000 measles cases have been reported in the last six months, some of which were fatal or caused neurological damage. Symptoms include a fever, followed by a cough, runny nose, sore eyes and a spotty, red rash over the entire body. For more information, view a special CDPH video on the subject at www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhSA_pS21WU.