Measles Confirmed In Berkeley

BERKELEY, CA — Berkeley Public Health reports a confirmed case of measles in Berkeley, the city announced Friday afternoon. BPH advises that the airborne virus is so contagious that 90 percent of those not immune will catch the illness if they inhale it. Futhermore, an infected person doesn’t show symptoms during the first four days of their most contagious period.

The person with confirmed measles visited the Berkeley Bowl at 2020 Oregon Street on Tuesday, May 7. BPH warns that if you were at the store between 3 and 5 p.m., you may have been exposed.

Here are the first symptoms of measles: runny nose, red eyes, cough and fever. Symptoms begin 7 to 21 days after exposure, so you may already be showing signs of measles or symptoms could emerge over the next few weeks. The next stage of measles is the telltale rash that typically starts on the face and then spreads down the body.

BPH says that if you have symptoms, call your doctor right away. But - this is important - do not show up at a medical facility, even a hospital, without phoning first. That's to prevent the rapid spread of the illness.

“Given how measles spreads through the air from someone unaware of infection, the need for vaccination is especially important,” said Dr. Lisa Hernandez, the City of Berkeley’s Health Officer. “The vaccine is a simple and very powerful protection.”

BPH reports that when the recommended two doses of vaccine are properly given, 97% of people are protected from the disease. A single dose protects 93% of those vaccinated.

Children should get the first dose at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age.

If you are unsure of your own immunization status, consult your doctor.

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