Unvaccinated infant is San Francisco's 1st measles case since 2019

SAN FRANCISCO - An infant under the age of 12 months is the first reported case of measles in San Francisco since 2019, city health officials say. 

What we know:

In a statement on Wednesday, the San Francisco Department of Public Health said they confirmed the measles case on Monday and that the infant was exposed to the disease while traveling internationally. In addition, health officials said the child became infectious upon their return and is currently recovering at home. 

While this infant was unvaccinated, health department officials said all of their household contacts are vaccinated. 

In addition, the health department is reaching out to close contacts outside the home to prevent further spread of the disease. 

SF Dept. of Public Health said if someone has been identified as an exposed close contact, they may receive a phone call from the city health department or California Department of Public Health. 

What they're saying:

While the news has left many local parents on edge, health officials say the risk to the general public remains low.

"It’s just incredibly scary," said Emily Medeiros, a San Francisco parent. "I feel really lucky that my daughter was born during a time when vaccination was mandatory, and I can’t even imagine what it must be like for parents who have young kids like that."

Measles is a highly-contagious virus that can cause serious illness and death, according to health officials. 

National and Regional Context

The case comes as the United States experiences one of its most significant measles surges in decades.

"We are actually in the middle of the largest measles outbreak in this country we have had in 25 years," said Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease expert with UCSF.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are currently around 1,700 confirmed cases nationwide. Closer to home, Sacramento and Placer counties are battling their own outbreaks, with at least 19 cases identified in those regions.   

"We actually vaccinate from six months if there’s an outbreak, or if you’re internationally traveling," Dr. Gandhi said.  

How does measles spread? 

Measles is spread through the air when a person who is infected breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger indoor air for up to an hour, the health department said. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (pink eye) followed 2 -4 days later by a rash. 

What are the complications? 

Complications of measles can include pneumonia (the most common cause of death from measles in children), encephalitis (brain swelling), and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare but fatal progressive brain disease that develops years after recovery from initial illness.

Getting vaccinated 

What you can do:

Health officials say the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective as a way to offer yourself the best protection from the virus. 

"It’s safe, there is no doubt. It does not cause autism," said Dr. Gandhi. "It is a safe and effective vaccine, and it has prevented countless not only measles cases, but the severe illness that can accompany this particular virus."

The health department says one dose of the vaccine offers 93% efficacy against the disease. Two doses will give you 97% efficacy. 

"It is incredibly important to get the MMR vaccine, as measles is one of the most infectious diseases in the world," said San Francisco Health Officer Dr. Susan Philip. "If you and your family are traveling internationally, make sure everyone is up-to-date with the MMR vaccine and is aware of the symptoms of measles."