FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – A measles exposure is confirmed in Fresno County by the Health Dept.
A passenger on a flight to Fresno was confirmed to be traveling with measles.
The Fresno County Department of Public Halth says a non-Fresno County resident who traveled from LAX to Fresno Yosemite International Airport on May 19, 2024, did have measles.
They arrived on United Flight 5591 at 8:12 pm. on May 19th.
The Health Dept. said people who were at Fresno’s Airport from 8:12 pm to 9:12 pm may be at risk of developing measles due to exposure to this traveler.
Passengers in seats on the plane who may have been exposed will be contacted by the Fresno County Health Dept.
The Health Dept says there are no additional locations in Fresno County where possible exposures to this traveler may have occurred.
Currently, the County Health Dept is working closely with the California Health Dept on next steps to keep our community safe.
Exposed individuals should confirm if they have been vaccinated against measles. If they have not had measles in the past and have not yet obtained the measles vaccine, they are at risk of contracting measles if they have been exposed. Unimmunized persons or those with unknown immunization status who were at this location during the date and times listed above are at risk of developing measles from 7 to 21 days after being exposed and should monitor for symptoms of measles through June 9, 2024. Exposed individuals who have been free of symptoms for more than 21 days (June 9th) are no longer at risk.
While the investigation is ongoing, the FCDPH is urging anyone at FAT on May 19, 2024, between 8:12 pm and 9:12 pm to take the following measures:
- If you are immunocompromised, pregnant or an infant less than 12 months old, contact your primary care provider and FCDPH at (559) 600-3332.
- Stay home if you are having any symptoms of measles, such as fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red/watery eyes.
- If you experience symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Do not enter a health care facility before calling them and making them aware of your measles exposure and symptoms.
- Measles is a highly contagious virus, and one infected person can infect 9 out of 10 unvaccinated individuals in close contact. Measles can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and death, especially in unvaccinated persons.
Measles typically begins with fever, cough, runny nose, and red/watery eyes, lasting 2 to 4 days before a rash appears. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to 1 hour after an infected person leaves an area. Individuals infected with measles are contagious from 4 days before the rash starts through 4 days after the rash disappears.
- Measles is preventable through vaccination. The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective, with two doses being 97% effective against measles. When more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated, most people are protected through widespread immunity (herd immunity).
- Make sure everyone either has had or receives two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and the community against measles. The MMR vaccine is required for school and daycare entry. This vaccine is given starting with the first dose at 12 – 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 – 6 years of age.
- Parents and children that plan to travel internationally should consult with their healthcare provider to ensure that they are current with their MMR vaccinations at least 2 weeks before travel.
Most health insurances cover the cost of the MMR vaccine. Insured persons should contact their healthcare provider to see what vaccines are offered. The FCDPH offers MMR vaccines to anyone with Medi-Cal or who is uninsured. Uninsured or underinsured children and adults can also access free or low-cost vaccines at clinics enrolled in the Vaccine for Children (VFC) and Vaccines for Adults (VFA) program. For a list of clinics enrolled in the VFC and VFA program, visit: https://eziz.org/vfc/provider-locations/
For more information on measles visit: https://www.fresnocountyca.gov/Departments/Public-Health/Community-Health/Communicable-Disease-Investigation-Program/Measles or www.cdc.gov/measles/.
