First Positive Case of Measles Detected in Santa Barbara County Since 2019

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – A positive case of measles in Santa Barbara County was confirmed by local health officials Monday.

Tuesday's announcement was also made en Español.

According to the Santa Barbara County Health Department, the isolated case is the first confirmed case in their jurisdiction since 2019 and is related to recent international travel.

The positive test comes after Ventura County confirmed an international traveler also tested positive publicly last week, the first case in that county since 2017.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through airborne particles that are usually ejected by an infected person coughing or sneezing and can remain in the air for up to two hours explained the Santa Barbara County Health Department.

The health agency shared Tuesday it is actively investigating potential exposures to limit transmissions in the local area.

According to County Health, symptoms of measles usually appear within seven to 14 days after exposure and can last up to ten days and usually include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes.

A characteristic rash typically appears three to five days after the first symptoms, starting at the hairline and spreading down across the body, and about one in five people who get measles are hospitalized detailed the Santa Barbara County Health Department.

Severe complications from the virus can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and death especially in vulnerable people noted the county-wide health department.

Local health officials strongly encourage residents to:

• Check their vaccination status. Review vaccination records to ensure you and your family are up to date on the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine
• Notify a health care provider if you or loved one are at higher risk. Contact and notify your health care provider as soon as possible about a potential exposure for guidance and next steps especially if you are pregnant, have an infant under 12 months of age, have a weakened immune system, and/or you are unimmunized
• Watch for symptoms. Monitor yourself for illness with fever and/or an unexplained rash from seven days to 21 days after an exposure
• When to seek medical care. If someone in your home develops symptoms

According to the Santa Barbara County Health Department, if somebody at your home develops measles symptoms:

• Isolate the infected person from other household members who are not sick
• Stay at home and do not attend work, school, or public events
• Call your healthcare provider to let them know somebody at your home may have measles.
• Do not enter a healthcare facility without letting them know you or a loved one may have measles

For more information, residents can contact the Disease Control Office at 805-681-5280 or you can visit here for more information about immunizations.