CALAVERAS COUNTY, Calif. — An unvaccinated child in Calaveras County has been diagnosed with measles, according to the county health department.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the Calaveras Health and Human Services Agency said the child, who is from the Valley Springs area, is believed to have contracted the disease while traveling overseas.
Health officials say the child was around “several” people in Calaveras and Amador counties before being diagnosed. Officials are working to identify and contact the people who may have been exposed.
“We have seen a decrease in the number of children protected with vaccinations in Calaveras.” said Dr. Dean Kelaita, Calaveras Public Health Officer. “A person with measles can transmit the infection to others not protected by immunization.”
Measles is a highly contagious virus that starts with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat, followed by a rash that spreads all over the body, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Symptoms for the disease include fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat followed by a rash that spreads over the body, according to information from the CDC.
“Measles is a completely preventable disease,” Kelaita explained. “Parents should check their children’s shot records and ensure they are fully protected against measles.”
For more information about measles, or if you think you may have been exposed, you are asked to contact Calaveras County Public Health at 209-754-6460.
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