About 150 agricultural workers who recently arrived from an Arizona area with a measles outbreak are being monitored by health officials in Fresno, Madera and Merced counties. No confirmed measles cases have been reported so far, though more seasonal workers are expected. Authorities say the overall public risk is low but urge anyone with measles symptoms to contact a medical provider. Officials emphasize that two doses of the MMR vaccine provide about 97% protection.
Central Valley Monitors About 150 Farmworkers After Exposure to Arizona Measles Outbreak
Health officials in California are monitoring roughly 150 agricultural workers who recently arrived from an Arizona area experiencing a sizable measles outbreak. The group is being watched across Fresno, Madera and Merced counties in coordination with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Arizona Department of Health Services.
The workers being monitored for measles came from an area in Arizona where there was outbreak of the disease. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA
Monitoring and Public Health Response
The workers were believed to have been exposed in the affected Arizona community, prompting local and state health departments to actively screen the arrivals for symptoms and potential infection. So far, no confirmed cases of measles have been reported among the monitored group.
About 150 agricultural workers who recently left Arizona are being monitored for measles in three Central Valley counties in California. TNS
Officials say additional seasonal workers are expected in the coming days and that public-health teams are prepared to take targeted measures if necessary, including contact tracing, vaccination outreach and community advisories. At this time, the Fresno County Health Department describes the overall risk to the general public as low.
Measles virus particle. Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF
What Residents Should Know
Health agencies advise anyone who develops symptoms consistent with measles — such as high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a characteristic rash — to promptly contact their medical provider before visiting a clinic or emergency department so staff can take appropriate infection-control precautions.
The two-dose measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe, effective and provides about 97% protection against measles after the full series. Residents seeking more information about measles, symptom guidance, or vaccination can visit the California Department of Public Health website at https://www.cdph.ca.gov.
Note: Local health departments and CDPH will continue to monitor the situation and issue updates if the risk level changes or if public-health actions are needed.
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