On July 8, Santa Cruz County Public Health issued an alert about an individual with confirmed measles who traveled to Santa Cruz County on July 1, and ate at Taqueria Los Pericos, 139 Water St., Santa Cruz.
The alert advises unvaccinated persons or those with unknown vaccination status who were at Taqueria Los Pericos from 6 to 10 p.m. on July 1 are especially at risk of developing measles 7 to 21 days after exposure.
Health officials say these individuals should:
- Review their immunization and medical records to determine if they are protected against measles. People who have not had measles infection previously or have not received the measles immunization may not be protected from the measles virus. These individuals should talk with a healthcare provider about receiving a vaccination for measles, mumps and rubella.
- Call or email their health care provider as soon as possible about a potential exposure if they are pregnant, have an infant, or have a weakened immune system regardless of vaccination history. Do not go to your provider in person or go to the emergency department for potential exposure.
- Monitor themselves for illness such as fever and/or an unexplained rash from 7 days to 21 days after exposure (the time when symptoms may develop); if symptoms develop, stay at home and call a healthcare provider immediately. If you become ill enough that you need to seek medical attention in person, wear a mask and inform registration staff of your measles exposure.
Measles typically begins with a mild to moderate fever accompanied by cough, runny nose, and red/watery eyes. Some report diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Two to three days later there is generally a fever and a red, blotchy rash appears, usually first on the face. This rash rapidly spreads downward to the chest and back and finally to the thighs and feet. The rash fades after about a week.
The time from being infected with the virus to developing symptoms can be as long as 21 days but is typically 9-12 days. People with measles are infectious from four days before to four days after the onset of the rash. Anyone diagnosed with measles or suspected of having the virus should stay home for four days after the onset of the rash.
