Measles resurges in Northern California: unvaccinated child, traveled abroad, infected. Stanislaus County health officials investigating.
Measles is highly contagious viral disease, serious for <5 children. Unvaccinated kids at risk; rising unvaccinated population increases susceptibility.
Measles symptoms: high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes. Rash appears 3-5 days later, starting on face.
Measles spreads easily through the air via coughing/sneezing. Up to 90% of close contacts not immune may become infected. Virus can linger for 2 hours in airspace.
1 in 5 with measles in US hospitalized. 1 in 1,000 develops brain swelling, 1-3 in 1,000 die. Complications vary, more severe in young, pregnant, and immunocompromised.
CDC: Measles prevented by MMR vaccine, offering long-term defense. 2 doses 97% effective, 1 dose 93%. Outbreaks occur where vaccination rates are low.