Pasadena Health Officials Urge Measles Vaccination Amid Rising National Cases

The Pasadena Public Health Department is urging residents to ensure they are vaccinated against measles as cases rise nationwide, though no confirmed cases have been reported in the city this year.

“At this time, there are no confirmed reports of measles cases in Pasadena,” said Dr. Parveen Kaur, Acting Health Officer with the Pasadena Public Health Department. “However, we continue to closely monitor developments and remain prepared to follow up on any exposures.”

According to PPHD data, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 301 confirmed measles cases across 14 states as of March 14, including a large outbreak among primarily unvaccinated children in Texas and nearby states. So far, there have been two deaths reported — the first measles fatalities in the United States since 2015.

California has recorded five confirmed cases as of March 18, with the first case in Los Angeles County reported on March 11 in a resident who had recently traveled through Los Angeles International Airport. Health officials note that all measles cases diagnosed in California to date this year have occurred in people who had recently traveled internationally.

Measles is a highly contagious, serious airborne disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications and even death. Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus, and common symptoms include:

• High fever (may spike to more than 104° F)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Rash

“The infected person can spread the disease up to four days before a measles rash appears and up to four days after the rash appears,” Kaur explained.

Measles complications occur in up to 40% of those infected and may include blindness, hearing loss, pneumonia, seizures, and meningitis. There are no antiviral drugs specifically approved to treat measles, and treatment is supportive.

While measles can be serious in all age groups, there are several populations at higher risk for complications, including adults older than 20 years of age, children younger than 5 years of age, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems such as those with leukemia or HIV infections.

Health officials emphasized that vaccination is the most effective preventive measure. One dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is 93% effective against measles, while two doses are 97% effective. Experts say measles can be prevented if 95% or more of the community is vaccinated with two doses.

“The Pasadena Public Health Department strongly urges local residents to ensure you and your children are fully vaccinated,” said Kaur. “Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles and protect the community.”

Pasadena Public Health Department recommends children receive their first MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, with a second dose typically administered between 4 and 6 years old. The second dose can be given as early as 28 days after the first dose.

Adults vaccinated before 1968 should consult their healthcare provider about getting another MMR vaccine, as the vaccine they received at that time may no longer be effective.

Adults uncertain about their vaccination status should consult their healthcare provider.

Health officials have also issued guidance for travelers, recommending vaccination prior to travel, especially internationally or to areas with active outbreaks. An early dose of the MMR vaccine is recommended for children who are 6 to 11 months of age traveling internationally or to areas with outbreaks at least two weeks before departure.

After returning, travelers should monitor for measles symptoms—including high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and rash—for three weeks. If symptoms develop, individuals should contact their healthcare provider immediately and inform the facility about their travel and symptoms prior to entering.

Adults who were vaccinated before 1968 should consult their healthcare provider about getting another MMR vaccine, as vaccines administered at that time may no longer be effective. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no harm in getting another MMR vaccine for those who have already received one.

Most health insurances cover the cost of the MMR vaccine. Uninsured or underinsured children and adults can access free or low-cost vaccines at clinics enrolled in the Vaccines for Children and Vaccines for Adults programs.

Pasadena Public Health Department maintains relationships with all local schools and has conducted additional outreach to both public and private schools to support their situational awareness and provide requested guidance.

The department offers MMR vaccines at its facility at 1845 N. Fair Oaks Ave. on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling (626) 744-6121, though walk-ins are also welcome. For a list of clinics offering free or low-cost immunizations for uninsured or underinsured persons, call 2-1-1 or visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health clinic locations website.

For more information on measles prevention, residents are encouraged to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about.