Measles case confirmed in Santa Cruz County visitor last week

Santa Cruz County Public Health was notified of a confirmed case of measles in a person who traveled to Santa Cruz County last week. However, County Health Officer Dr. Lisa Hernandez said that the agency has not identified any secondary cases from the exposure thus far. 

According to a Santa Cruz County Public Health news release, the person dined at Taqueria Los Pericos on Water Street on July 1. The agency said that people who have not been vaccinated against measles or who are unsure of their vaccination status who were at the taqueria between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on July 1 are “especially at risk of developing measles” after being exposed. 

Measles is a very contagious viral illness that usually starts with a mild-to-moderate fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. Some cases include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. After two or three days, a blotchy rash often appears. It usually appears on the face first, and spreads down to the chest, back, thighs, and feet. The rash will fade after about a week.

The disease is spread through respiratory droplets, which can stay airborne for up to an hour in the airspace where an infected person has coughed or sneezed. The time from infection to developing symptoms is typically nine to 12 days, but can be as long as 21 days. Someone with a case of measles is infectious from four days before to four days after the onset of the rash, and should stay home for the entirety of that period.

Hernandez said that the traveler is from out of state, and also traveled to Santa Clara County. She said that this is not the first time she has seen a measles exposure in the county, as an unvaccinated Santa Cruz resident contracted the disease while traveling internationally during her last tenure with county public in 2014. In February of this year, another county resident was exposed during travel, but did not contract the disease.

Hernandez said that Taqueria Los Pericos has worked with county public health to identify possible contacts who may have been exposed. It is also posting information to notify their patrons of the exposure incident.

Hernandez said that if you’re fully vaccinated, your personal risk is low, and you should not worry too much about the disease. However, she said, it’s a good time to check on your medical records — especially if you have international travel plans.

“This is a great reminder to check your vaccination records and see if you have been vaccinated for measles, and if you haven’t, now is the time,” she said. “[Measles] is still common in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and more.”

Hernandez did add that those of heightened risk — immunocompromised individuals, children under five, and pregnant people — should closely monitor themselves for signs of the illness over the next two weeks. Otherwise, Hernandez said, you’re likely to be fine: “If you don’t have any of the risks, you’re fully vaccinated, and had no exposure to Los Pericos, then rest assured, you should be in good shape.”

Those that went to Taqueria Los Pericos on July 1 between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. should:

• Review their immunization and medical records to determine if they are protected against measles. Those who have not had a prior infection or who have not received a vaccine may not be protected, and should contact their health care provider about receiving a measles, mumps and rubella shot.
  
• Contact their healthcare provider by phone or email about a possible exposure if they are pregnant, have an infant, or have a weakened immune system.
  
• Monitor themselves for a fever and/or an unexplained rash from one to three weeks after their exposure. If symptoms present, stay home and contact a healthcare provider. If one becomes ill enough to require in-person treatment, they should wear a mask and tell the staff about the measles exposure so that the patient can be properly isolated.