SANTA CRUZ, Calif.- Two rare cases of measles on the Central Coast have public health officials acting quickly to keep it from spreading. On Sunday, we went to find out who may have been exposed and how you can stay protected.
The Santa Cruz Public Health Department said if you were at New Leaf Market or Liberty Bank in Felton on January 26th, 28th or 29th, you may have been exposed to measles. Store manager Mike Macallair said the daughter of an employee recently took a trip to India without being vaccinated and came back with the disease.
"She came down with it after they figured out what it was and she had a mild case but she has come to work several days," said Felton New Leaf Market store manager Mike Macallair.
So they contacted public health right away. Every employee was tested and most were immune. But several weren't and On Sunday they were given an immunization to make sure it doesn't spread.
At New Leaf Market, if customers are concerned, they're being given a sheet of paper with information on exposure to measles. So how do you know if you're not at-risk? Public health officials said there's three ways you're protected.
"Had their two measles shots as growing up, they're born before 1957 or they were in the Army," said Santa Cruz County Public Health interim director Dr. Ira Lubell.
Typical symptoms are a cough, fever, watery eyes, runny nose, white spots in the mouth and a rash. County public health said the last time they had a few cases was in 2005.
"Santa Cruz has always been one of the lowest community immunization participation rate in the state," said Dr. Lubell.
Measles can be deadly for anyone. But Santa Cruz County Public Health officials said it's even more dangerous for anyone who is pregnant, or has a weak immune system.
