Measles Warning: Exposure In Lamorinda, Walnut Creek

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — A person with confirmed measles recently traveled during the contagious period to two places in Contra Costa County, and to Los Angeles County and Arizona. Health officials have issued warnings in all three places in an effort to prevent an outbreak.

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

"Most people have been vaccinated and therefore are protected and not at risk, even if they have shared the same indoor air-space with a contagious person," said Dr. Chris Farnitano, Contra Costa County Health Officer. "However, residents should be aware of the situation because anyone who was exposed and not protected by vaccine is at risk of developing measles."

While all people exposed to this person in a private place, such as a home, have been notified, here are the public places visited by the contagious person:

• Aug. 11, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek Emergency Department, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek
• Aug. 14, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., Chow Restaurant, 53 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette

The Contra Costa County Health Department advises, "Measles symptoms can begin one to three weeks after exposure and include high fever, runny nose, coughing and watery red eyes. A rash develops on the face and neck two to three days after the fever begins, and spreads down the body. The rash usually lasts five or six days. An infected person is contagious for several days before and after the rash appears."

Call your doctor if you or your children show symptoms. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news from your California neighborhood. Also, download the free Patch iPhone app or free Patch Android app. Also, be sure to follow your local Patch on Facebook!)

Your unvaccinated child may cause birth defects in an unborn baby

Remember, if your child is not vaccinated and exposes a pregnant woman to measles, her baby may be born with birth defects. The most common birth defects from measles, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are:

• Deafness
• Cataracts
• Heart defects
• Intellectual disabilities
• Liver and spleen damage
• Low birth weight
• Skin rash at birth

Call your doctor, the health department, or research online at scientifically-backed websites. If you have any doubts, you and your children should remain home and not risk the lives or lifelong health of others.

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