A measles case in Poway has local health investigators alerting the community about possible exposure.
A 27-year-old man was exposed during a recent trip to Thailand and the Philippines and when he returned, he visited several places across the county, officials said.
Health officials say if you were at Rite Aid, 11845 Carmel Mountain Road, on March 12th from 12 noon to 5 p.m.; Costco, 12350 Carmel Mountain Road, San Diego, on March 7th from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and March 9th from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.; or the Radisson Hotel, 11520 West Bernardo Court, on March 3rd in the evening and March 4th from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., you may have been exposed.
“Measles is highly contagious and is spread easily by coughing, sneezing or even coming in close contact with an infected person,” said Eric McDonald, M.D., M.P.H., County Deputy Public Health Officer.
Anyone who was at those locations during those times and develops a rash or fever, should contact their doctor by telephone to see if they have contracted the disease, McDonald said.
“We want to assure the public there is no longer a risk of contracting measles by visiting any of the above locations because of this exposure,” said McDonald. “Measles virus may stay suspended in the air for up to two hours after an infectious person has been present, but there is no risk of infection after that time.”
The disease causes a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes and usually lasts one to two weeks, health officials said. The best way to prevent measles is to get the vaccine, which is normally given at 12 months of age and between ages 4 - 6.
The last case of measles in San Diego County was in August, 2010.
