Bay Area measles prompts vaccine reminder in Santa Cruz County

Measles cases in the Bay Area have prompted Santa Cruz County health officials to remind folks to get vaccinated.

According to health officials, five cases of measles have been confirmed in Santa Clara County as of April 4.

Health officials said although the public is at very low risk of getting measles because of these cases, its a highly contagious viral disease.

“The best way to protect yourself and your family against measles and other vaccine preventable
diseases is by immunization,” said Dr. Arnold Leff, Health Officer for Santa Cruz County.

If you’ve had measles before you are protected from being infected again.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a first dose for children ages 12-15 months old, and a second dose at 4-6-years-old.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, measles starts with a fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and a sore throat and is followed by a rash that spreads over the body.