A patient suffering from measles spent nearly five hours at Paradise Cove Beach Cafe in Malibu about two weeks ago, meaning those who were also at the cafe or beach at the time may be at risk of developing symptoms.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirmed one person who was suffering from the disease “visited Malibu while infectious on Dec. 29, 2018. This person visited Paradise Cove Beach Café in the City of Malibu on Saturday … from 12:30 to 5 p.m.”
It is possible that other patrons of the restaurant and grounds that day may still begin to display symptoms, which include “include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (red eyes), and a rash, which usually appears 10 to 12 days after the exposure,” according to the City of Malibu. “Individuals should contact their healthcare provider if they develop measles symptoms.” Those at highest risk include individuals with weakened immune systems and those who have not been vaccinated.
There is currently no risk of exposure to measles at Paradise Cove; according to information from the city, the period of possible exposure ended more than one week ago. “In addition, because measles is spread from person to person by the respiratory route, there is no risk present related to food that may have been consumed at this location,” the city wrote in a statement released Friday, Jan. 11.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in looking at trends in disease outbreak over the past eight years, “the majority of people who got measles were unvaccinated.” CDC data also shows, “measles can spread when it reaches a community in the U.S. where groups of people are unvaccinated.”
Officials from LA County also stressed the importance of vaccinations.
“If you think that you or someone you know has been exposed to or has measles, contact your healthcare provider by phone right away before going in,” Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County health officer, said in a statement provided by the City of Malibu. “People who may have been exposed to measles and who have not been immunized, may receive measles immunization and be protected from developing the disease. Getting immunized is the best way to keep from getting and spreading measles.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, rates of the childhood infection fell to about 20 cases per year in the United States, before that number began to climb around 2012.
“Measles is a highly contagious illness caused by a virus that replicates in the nose and throat of an infected child or adult. Then, when someone with measles coughs, sneezes or talks, infected droplets spray into the air, where other people can inhale them,” information from the Mayo Clinic stated. “The infected droplets may also land on a surface, where they remain active and contagious for several hours. You can contract the virus by putting your fingers in your mouth or nose or rubbing your eyes after touching the infected surface. About 90 percent of susceptible people who are exposed to someone with the virus will be infected.”