San Diego County health officials have confirmed the first measles case of the year in the region. The patient, a teenager who recently returned from international travel, tested positive for the highly contagious disease. This development comes amid rising measles cases nationwide and continues to raise concerns about the vulnerability of unvaccinated populations.
Story Highlights
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San Diego County confirms its first measles case of 2025 in an unvaccinated teenager recently returned from international travel
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Potential exposure occurred at Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines Urgent Care and Rady Children’s Emergency Department on August 6-7
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County officials are tracing contacts and reviewing vaccination status among potentially exposed individuals
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Measles spreads easily through respiratory droplets and close contact
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Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive red rash
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Vaccination with MMR vaccine is the most effective preventive measure, especially for international travelers
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Complications are more frequent in young children and adults, with possible severe outcomes
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No specific treatment; care focuses on symptom relief and managing complications
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Measles elimination in the U.S. was declared in 2000, but outbreaks linked to travel continue to pose a threat
Last year, San Diego County experienced four confirmed measles cases, all of which were traced back to travel outside the United States. This year, as of early August, California has reported 19 cases statewide. Meanwhile, the number of confirmed cases across the United States has climbed to 1,359 as of August 6, highlighting an ongoing public health challenge.
The teenager who contracted measles was unvaccinated, a factor that public health experts say significantly increases the risk of both contracting and spreading the disease. Health officials have identified two medical facilities where the individual may have exposed others. These include the Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines Urgent Care, located at 10710 North Torrey Pines Road, where the patient was present from the evening of August 6 into the early hours of August 7. The second location is the Rady Children’s Emergency Department on Children’s Way, where the patient stayed overnight during the same timeframe.
To address the potential exposure risk, the county’s epidemiological team is collaborating closely with both Scripps and Rady Children’s staff to identify patients and employees who may have been in contact with the infected individual. They are also following up on vaccination records to better understand who may be vulnerable.
Dr. Ankita Kadakia, the county’s deputy public health officer, underscored the contagious nature of measles. “Measles is a very contagious disease that can be spread easily by coughing, sneezing, or being in the same room with an infected person,” she explained. “Anyone who was at any of the specific locations and at the dates and times listed above should watch for symptoms and call their health care provider if they show any signs of the disease.”
In light of this, officials strongly recommend that individuals experiencing symptoms call ahead to their doctor’s office rather than visiting directly. This precaution helps limit the chances of further transmission in healthcare settings.
Measles symptoms typically appear between seven and 21 days after exposure. Early signs include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A characteristic red rash often follows one to four days later, usually starting on the face and head before spreading downward to the hands and feet. The contagious period spans from four days before the rash emerges to four days afterward.
Vaccination remains the cornerstone of prevention. Dr. Kadakia emphasized the importance of immunization, particularly for travelers. “With measles outbreaks occurring in several countries, it is very important that all international travelers get vaccinated,” she said. “Infants between six and 12 months of age who travel should get one dose, and travelers over 12 months of age should get two doses at least four weeks apart.”
Complications from measles are more common in children under five and adults over 20 years old. These complications can include diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. In severe cases, especially among the very young and adults, measles can lead to death.
Currently, no specific treatment exists for measles. The recommended care includes bed rest, maintaining hydration, and controlling fever. If complications arise, medical intervention is required to manage those conditions.
Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, largely due to the success of vaccination programs. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is part of the standard immunization schedule for children.
Despite this achievement, measles remains one of the most contagious infectious diseases known. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a person who is not immunized has a 95% chance of becoming infected after exposure to the virus.
The San Diego case serves as a reminder of the continued risks posed by measles, especially in an era of increasing international travel and pockets of unvaccinated populations.
In conclusion, the recent measles case in San Diego County highlights the persistent threat this highly contagious disease poses, especially among unvaccinated individuals and international travelers. Despite being declared eliminated in the United States over two decades ago, measles continues to resurface due to global outbreaks and gaps in vaccination coverage. Public health officials urge everyone—particularly those traveling abroad—to stay vigilant, ensure their vaccinations are up to date, and seek medical advice promptly if symptoms develop. Maintaining high immunization rates remains the most effective way to protect communities and prevent further spread of this preventable disease.
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