California Public Health Department Responds to Measles Case

Posted: Mar 31st, 2016 at 03:49PM - by e7 Health

California Public Heath officials have announced that a student has tested positive for Measles at one of its Nevada County schools. A student from Yuba River Charter School has tested positive for the virus after traveling overseas. This is particularly troubling, because this specific school is known for it's low vaccination rates. Public health officials are now working to try to prevent a possible outbreak among students and the community.

According to data from the California Department of Health, the Yuba Charter School is classified as "most vulnerable" when it comes to outbreaks, since their vaccination rate is so low. The Kindergarten class at the school only has a vaccination rate of 42.6%. At the moment, only staff and students who have been vaccinated are only allowed to return to the school. According to the California Department of Public Health, at least 95% of the people at the school need to be vaccinated to create a "herd immunity" that will stop outbreaks. As you see from the previous number given, the school is very far from the 95% that is required for that.

Dr. Karen Smith, the director and State Public Health Officer at the California Department of Public Health, Measles is something that is very easy to prevent. "Immunization is the best way to protect against measles. Two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine are approximatley 97 percent effective at preventing disease in exposed persons."

The common symptoms for Measles can include "diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia."