Santa Barbara County health officials have confirmed a measles case linked to international travel, marking the first reported case in the region since 2019.
Health Officials Investigate Possible Exposure
The Santa Barbara County Health Department confirmed the case on Monday night and is currently investigating potential exposure locations while working with local healthcare providers to limit further spread.
Officials are reminding residents that measles is highly contagious and can spread quickly among people who are not vaccinated or have weakened immunity.
Measles Remains Highly Contagious
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, meaning transmission can occur without direct contact.
Health officials said people who are fully vaccinated face a very low risk of infection. Two doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, are approximately 97% effective at preventing measles.
Groups at higher risk of complications include:
- People who are unvaccinated or have not completed the two-dose MMR vaccine series
- Infants younger than 12 months who are not yet routinely vaccinated
- Pregnant individuals without immunity to measles
- People with weakened immune systems
Symptoms and Signs of Measles
A person infected with measles can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after the rash develops.
Symptoms usually appear between 7 and 14 days after exposure, although they can develop up to 21 days later.
Early symptoms include:
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
The typical measles rash usually appears three to five days after initial symptoms. It often begins on the face, hairline and neck before spreading to other areas of the body. A high fever may also occur and can exceed 104°F.
What Residents Should Do After Possible Exposure
County health officials recommend residents take several precautions if they believe they may have been exposed to measles.
- Check vaccination records through the California Digital Vaccine Record or with a healthcare provider.
- Monitor for symptoms, including fever or unexplained rash, for 7 to 21 days after possible exposure.
- High-risk individuals, including infants, pregnant people, unvaccinated individuals and those with weakened immune systems, should contact a healthcare provider immediately after exposure.
If symptoms appear, residents should isolate the sick person from others, avoid work, school and public events, and contact a healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility to help prevent further transmission.
Vaccination Recommendations
Health officials are encouraging residents to confirm that they and their family members are up to date on MMR vaccinations.
Residents planning international travel should review their vaccination status, as infants between 6 and 11 months may be eligible for an early MMR dose after consulting with a pediatrician.
MMR vaccines are available through local healthcare providers and pharmacies and are covered by most health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal.
