First Case of Measles Reported in Long Beach

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has confirmed the first case of measles in a Long Beach resident since 2015. 

The individual is an adult and is recovering at home. This case comes as an increase of measles cases has been seen throughout California, including several cases reported in Los Angeles County (excluding Long Beach) and one case reported in an Orange County resident. Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough and red, watery eyes. Measles spreads very easily by air and by direct contact with an infected person. Measles is contagious from approximately four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appears. People who become infected are contagious before they have symptoms and know they are infected. About 90% of people who have never been immunized against measles become ill seven to 21 days after exposure. The Health Department is working with the neighboring health jurisdictions of Orange County and Los Angeles County to identify and notify residents of locations the infected individual visited while contagious. Health Department staff are notifying locations in Long Beach the person visited while contagious. Individuals who visited the following Long Beach locations at the times stated below may have been exposed to measles: Date Location Address Time 4/28/2019 Pizzanista 1837 E 7th St, Long Beach 90813 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. 4/28/2019 Total Wine 7400 Carson Blvd, Long Beach, 90808 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. 4/30/2019 Susan European Dressmaker 3319 E 7th St, Long Beach, 90804 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. 5/1/2019 Art du Vin Wine Bar 2027 E 4th St, Long Beach, 90814 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. 5/1/2019 Ralph's 2930 E 4th St, Long Beach, 90814 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. 5/2/2019 Ralph's 6290 PCH, Long Beach, 90803 3:00 - 6:30 p.m. 5/2/2019 AMC Marina Pacifica 6346 E PCH, Long Beach, 90803 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. 5/3/2019 Broadway Carwash 4000 E Broadway, Long Beach, 90803 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. More information on places this individual visited while contagious can be found at the following sites: Orange County exposures can be found at www.ochealthinfo.com/measles. Los Angeles County exposures can be found at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov. Anyone at the above locations during the dates and times specified should monitor for symptoms of measles for 21 days after being exposed. Those who think they may have measles should call their medical provider before arriving at the medical office to avoid exposing others to the virus. The best way to protect yourself from measles is to get vaccinated. “All children and non-immune adults should be vaccinated against measles,” said City Health Officer Anissa Davis. “If you are unsure of your vaccination status, contact your provider to make sure you are up-to-date.” Visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules to learn more about vaccine schedules. The Long Beach Health Department continues to respond to a recent increase of measles by developing resources for local providers and residents, investigating cases of high suspicion and testing measles specimens in our Public Health Laboratory. Given the large amount of resources needed to respond to even one case, the Communicable Disease Control Program has pulled some of their Epidemiology Surge Team members who have been trained to respond to outbreaks to help assist with the measles response. The Health Department will continue to monitor and respond, and will notify the public if any additional exposures occur. For more information regarding measles, please visit the Long Beach Health Department’s website at www.longbeach.gov/measles. About the City of Long Beach Home to approximately 470,000 people, the multiple award-winning and innovative City of Long Beach offers all the world-class amenities of a large metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods nestled together along the California coast. As a full-service charter city, Long Beach is home to the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, several museums and theaters, a highly-rated school district, Long Beach Airport, the Port of Long Beach, as well as many award-winning City departments such as Health, Parks, Recreation and Marine, Development Services and more. The City also has a highly-respected university and city college, two historic ranchos, five hospitals, five golf courses, 171 parks, miles of beaches, marinas, bike paths, and a Bike Share program. For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit http://longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. About Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services The mission of the Long Beach Department of Health & Human Services is to improve quality of life by promoting a safe and healthy community in which to live, work and play. Long Beach Health is one of only three city-run health departments in California, allowing for better engagement with its people, neighborhoods, businesses and community partners, and a greater understanding of the City's strengths and needs. For more information, visit us at www.longbeach.gov/health, "Like" us on Facebookand follow us on Twitter and Instagram.