Measles Outbreak Affect T.C.?

Sonora, CA — The recent measles outbreak has grown to 19 people.  As previously reported, State health officials linked the outbreak to people who visited Disneyland or Disney California Adventure between December 15 and 20.

Tuolumne County’s Health Officer Dr. Todd Stolp has this concern, “The issue relevant to Tuolumne County is that we do have one of the lower rates of completed vaccination for children.  Because of that, we encourage people to update their vaccinations, especially children for measles, mumps and rubella, as well as other childhood vaccines.”

State health officials confirm only one of the current patients had been fully vaccinated against the virus.  Of the 19 measles cases, 16 are in California, 2 are in Utah, and 1 is in Colorado.  Dr. Stolp says symptoms include a rash starting on the face, high fever and discharge from the eyes. In 2000, measles was declared cleared as an epidemic disease, but clusters of outbreaks continue due to people traveling, according to Dr. Stolp.