Measles Cases in Calif. 10 Times Higher Than at Same Time Last Year

The number of confirmed measles cases so far this year is 10 times higher than the number of cases at the same time last year, according to the California Department of Public Health, HealthyCal reports.

According to DPH, 32 cases of measles have been confirmed in the state this year, compared with three cases at the same time in 2013. Specifically:

• 10 cases have been reported in Los Angeles County;
• 6 cases have been reported in Orange County;
• 5 cases have been reported in Riverside County;
• 4 cases have been reported in Contra Costa County;
• 4 cases have been reported in San Diego County;
• 1 case has been reported in Alameda;
• 1 case has been reported in San Mateo County; and
• 1 case has been reported in Santa Clara County (HealthyCal, 3/14).

Of the cases reported this year:

• At least 7 were among individuals who had traveled to the Philippines, where a large outbreak is occurring;
• 2 were among individuals who had traveled to India, where measles is endemic; and
• 1 involved an individual who had traveled to Vietnam, where measles is endemic (Vives, "L.A. Now," Los Angeles Times, 3/14).

Reaction

In a statement, DPH Director Ron Chapman said, "With an outbreak in the Philippines and measles transmission ongoing in many parts of the world outside of North and South America, we can expect to see more imported cases of this vaccine-preventable disease."

Chapman added, "Immunization is the best defense against measles, with 99% of persons developing immunity after two doses" (HealthyCal, 3/14).