Long Beach Health Department Confirms Measles Case Linked to International Travel

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has confirmed a case of measles in a Long Beach pediatric resident who recently returned from international travel. The individual has recovered at home. At this time, the risk of local transmission is considered low, and no further cases have been identified. The last measles case reported in Long Beach was in 2019.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air via coughing, sneezing or being in a room with an infected person, even up to one hour after they have left the area. Symptoms may include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that typically begins on the face and spreads downward. Most people recover within two weeks. However, measles can lead to serious complications, especially for infants, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems. These complications can include pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis) or even death. There is no specific treatment for measles; care focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications.

The Health Department is actively monitoring the situation, identifying potential exposure locations, notifying people who may have been exposed, and coordinating with Long Beach Medical Center and other healthcare providers to increase awareness and preparedness through community education. The Health Department is also actively responding through case investigation, laboratory testing and outreach to local healthcare providers to increase awareness of measles symptoms and vaccination recommendations. Due to the significant resources required to manage even a single case, the Department's Communicable Disease and Emergency Response Bureau has activated to support coordination and surveillance efforts.

Potential Exposure Location
The person visited the Long Beach Medical Center Emergency Department (2801 Atlantic Ave., 90806) while infectious on the following dates and times:

• 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4
• 6:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, June 6

Anyone who was at this location during the listed time should check their vaccination status for measles. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated (two doses of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine) or are unsure of their vaccination status should monitor for symptoms through June 27, 2025. If symptoms develop, people should stay at home and call a health care provider immediately for guidance. Symptoms may appear between 7 and 21 days after exposure; after that date, there is no risk of becoming ill from this exposure. If people develop symptoms, they should call their health care provider.

Vaccination Guidance
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is a safe and highly effective prevention measure. Two doses are about 97% effective, and one dose gives about 93% protection.

The Health Department recommends:

• Children receive the first dose at 12-15 months old and the second at 4-6 years old.
• Anyone born after 1957 who has not been vaccinated or is unsure of their status should receive the MMR vaccine.
• Prior to international travel:
  • Babies 6-11 months of age should receive one dose of MMR vaccine.
  • Ensure everyone 12 months and older are up to date with two doses of MMR vaccine. If they're not up to date, they should get two doses at least 28 days apart.

MMR vaccines are available through healthcare providers, pharmacies and the Health Department's Immunization Clinic. Most insurance plans cover the vaccine; uninsured or underinsured residents can access free or low-cost vaccination through state programs. With increased travel expected during the summer months, the Health Department is urging residents to check their MMR vaccination status and get vaccinated before travelling if not fully vaccinated or are unsure of vaccination status.

For additional information and resources on measles, visit longbeach.gov/measles or call the public information line at 562.570.7907.

Media inquiries may be directed to Jennifer Gonzalez, Community Preparedness and Engagement Supervisor, Department of Health and Human Services, at 562.570.4290 or Jennifer.Gonzalez@longbeach.gov.

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