Measles Case Confirmed in Orange County
May 1, 2019
Measles infection has been confirmed in an Orange County (OC) resident who recently returned from international travel.  Specific OC locations where exposures to the public might have occurred from this one case are available in the April 30 press release ( http://www.ochealthinfo.com/about/admin/pubs/press ).  However, since an increase in measles cases is being reported throughout California, the U.S. and multiple areas of the world, Orange County clinicians should be aware of steps to take to evaluate persons with possible measles, reduce exposures in healthcare facilities, and assist in decreasing ongoing transmission of measles in our County.
Provider Recommendations
  • Advise patients with known exposure to measles (i.e., contacts of cases) to monitor for symptoms of measles until 21 days after last exposure. Exposed persons without evidence of immunity to measles* (see page 2) should receive MMR vaccine as post-exposure prophylaxis if can be given within 72 hours of exposure. Infants, pregnant women, and severely immunocompromised persons should receive immune globulin within 6 days of exposure. Please inform Orange County Public Health Epidemiology (714-834-8180) of these contacts for further investigation and follow-up.
  • Consider measles in patients presenting with febrile rash illness and clinically compatible measles symptoms (cough, coryza, and/or conjunctivitis), especially in patients with known exposures, history of travel outside of North America or to areas in the U.S. with ongoing transmission, transit through U.S. international airports, or interaction with foreign visitors, including at tourist attractions. Measles rash generally starts on the head and descends to the rest of the body.
  • Immediately isolate any suspect measles cases. See: infection control guidance for measles.
  • Any patient suspected of having measles should be masked and immediately moved to an airborne infection isolation (negative pressure) room (AIIR) if available or to a private room with the door closed if no AIIR.
  • If no AIIR is available, other options for patients calling ahead with fever and rash include: referral to a facility with AIIR, scheduling them at the end of the day, having them enter via a separate entrance (bypassing the waiting room), and/or arranging to see them outside.
  • Do not send suspect measles cases to a laboratory for specimen collection.
  • Do not send suspect measles cases to an urgent care or emergency room without notifying them first so they can take appropriate precautions to protect their staff and other patients.
  • Immediately report any suspect measles cases to Orange County Public Health Epidemiology at 714-834-8180 during office hours (or 714-628-7008 after hours). Do NOT wait for laboratory confirmation.
  • Obtain specimens for testing from patients with suspected measles as recommended by Public Health and in Measles Clinical Guidance.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the preferred testing method for measles and can be facilitated through Orange County Public Health once the suspect case is reported.  Throat swab and urine are the preferred specimens. Serology may also be requested in certain situations.
  • Inform suspect measles cases to stay home, avoid contact with infants, pregnant women, and/or immunocompromised persons. They will receive further instructions from Public Health once reported.
  • Ensure patients and staff are up to date with measles (MMR) vaccination.

For additional clinical guidance, see CDPH Measles Clinical Guidance.
General Measles Vaccine Recommendations
Children
  • Routine vaccination with two doses of MMR starting with first dose at 12-15 months, and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. The 2nd dose may be administered as early as 4 weeks after the 1st dose.
  • Infants 6-11 months of age travelling internationally should receive one (1) before departure. Revaccinate with two (2) doses starting at 12-15 months as per routine recommendations above.

Adolescents (without evidence of immunity against measles*)
  • Two (2) doses of MMR at least 4 weeks apart.

Adults
  • People born before 1957 AND who are not one of the high risk groups listed below do not need additional doses of MMR.
  • People who are born during or after 1957 who do not have evidence of immunity against measles* should get at least one (1) dose of MMR vaccine. High risk groups below need two (2) doses.
  • People who received a dose of MMR in 1963-1967 who may have received inactivated vaccine should be revaccinated with at least one (1) dose of MMR. High risk groups below need two (2) doses.

Students at post-high school educational institutions (without evidence of immunity against measles*)
  • Two (2) doses of MMR at least 4 weeks apart.

International travelers (without evidence of immunity against measles*)
  • 6-11 months of age: one (1) dose of MMR. See above for additional routine dosing.
  • Children 12 months of age or older: Documentation of two MMR doses (first dose aged 12 months or older; 2nd dose at least 4 weeks after 1st).
  • Teenagers and adults born during or after (1957), documentation of two doses of MMR, with the 2nd dose at least 4 weeks after the first.

Healthcare personnel (without evidence of immunity against measles*)
  • Born in 1957 or later: 2 doses MMR at least 4 weeks apart.
  • Born before 1957, consider 2 doses MMR at least 4 weeks apart.

Assessing Measles Immunity
Acceptable presumptive evidence of immunity against measles includes at least one of the following:
  • Written documentation of adequate vaccination:
  • one or more doses of a measles-containing vaccine administered on or after the first birthday for preschool-age children and adults not at high risk
  • two doses of measles-containing vaccine for school-age children and adults at high risk, including college students, healthcare personnel, and international travelers
  • Laboratory evidence of immunity (positive measles IgG)
  • Laboratory confirmation of measles
  • Birth before 1957.

NOTE: Orange County Public Health may require documentation of laboratory evidence of immunity or two doses of MMR for high risk exposures, including household contacts, healthcare or childcare workers.
Contact Information
See OCHCA Measles Information for more information. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Epidemiology and Assessment Program at (714) 834-8180.
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