L.A. County child ill with measles
A preschool-age child in Los Angeles County has been hospitalized with measles, and public health officials Monday urged parents and physicians to be on alert for the highly contagious disease. It is the first case reported in the county since 2006.
The child had not been vaccinated against measles, said Dr. Jonathan Fielding, the county's public health director.
The virus is spread by sneezing and coughing. Symptoms include a rash, coughing, a runny nose and red, watery eyes.
Complications occur in about 20% of reported cases and can include diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, brain inflammation and seizures.
The county's last case of childhood measles occurred in an unvaccinated child who had contracted the virus outside of the United States, Fielding said.
The county is still investigating the origin of the new case.
mary.engel@latimes.com
- Steep Decline in Measles a Bright Spot in U.S. Health Efforts Jan 26, 2003
- Region - Free Immunizations May 31, 1990
- Rates of Measles, Mumps Hit All-Time Lows in L.A. County Nov 14, 1995
