OC Health Care Agency officials reported a confirmed case of measles in the county on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
A young adult who had been traveling internationally was infected, officials said. Times and locations of possible exposure to the highly contagious virus occurred between 2 and 4 p.m. Friday at the EoS Gym in Ladera Ranch and the AFC Urgent Care in Ladera Ranch between 3:30 and 6 p.m. Friday and again 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, officials said.
“Anyone planning domestic or international travel — or hosting visitors — should be fully vaccinated at least two weeks beforehand,” said Dr. Anissa Davis, deputy county health officer. “Adults and others who are not immune remain at risk, especially as outbreaks continue across the country and worldwide. Vaccination is the best protection.”
Common symptoms of the virus are fever, cough, red-water eyes, and a rash that usually starts on the head and spreads.
The virus spreads through the air and by direct contact with someone who is infected. An infection can spread the virus four days before the rash is noticed.
“The individual remains contained at this time. Our team acted quickly, working closely with public health experts to deliver a health advisory and provide clear guidance to help Ladera Ranch residents protect one another from a wider outbreak,” Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley said in a statement. “I urge residents to verify your vaccination status, follow public health guidance, and take decisive action to protect families, schools, and shared spaces. Our teams continue monitoring and will inform the public of any additional positive cases in Orange County.”
There have been 416 confirmed cases so far this year in the country, and 2,255 cases last year, which was the highest annual case count in more than three decades, officials said.