Measles Outbreak: Doctor Says Kids Who Haven't Been Vaccinated Should Avoid Major Public Places
WESTCHESTER (CBSLA.com) — California health officials report nearly 60 cases of measles since an outbreak started at Disneyland in December.
Patients range from 7 months to 70 years.
Authorities said six children connected to the Disneyland outbreak were too young, under 12 months of age, to get vaccinated.
To contain the outbreak, one doctor told KCAL9's Rachel Kim that young people who have not been vaccinated against measles should avoid going to major public places, like theme parks.
"I really think children who have not been vaccinated yet should probably stay away from major public places and be in more contained environments," says Danelle Fisher, a pediatrician.
Fisher is also vice chairwoman of pediatrics at Providence St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica.
Kim asked Fisher her thoughts on what's going on in Northern California's Alameda County, where more than 30 babies have been placed in home isolation after possible exposure to measles during a visit to the doctor's office.
"I think that if it's just been an exposure but there's no symptoms, there's no problem with keeping them at home. Once they start developing symptoms, I do believe they should be seen especially within 24 hours of fever," Fisher said.
Symptoms begin with a cough, runny nose, red watery eyes and a pink rash all over the body.
At her own practice, Fisher explains how she handles possible measles cases.
"We use a back-door entrance that does not go anywhere near our office waiting room. And we have an exam room set aside for patients that could have contagious diseases," she said.
Fisher also wants parents to remember that this highly contagious virus is preventable.
"I wouldn't put any child at risk by not vaccinating them and vaccinating them in a timely fashion," she said.