For the first time in seven years, a person has tested positive for measles in Riverside County.
The positive test was announced Thursday by health officials with Riverside University Health System. The person who tested positive resides in eastern Riverside County and recently traveled internationally. It’s the first time a measles test has come up positive in the county since 2018.
It’s not yet clear if the person has been vaccinated from measles.
“Those who travel internationally to areas with ongoing measles transmission may be at risk for exposure. It’s important to check and make sure you are up to date on your vaccines, at least two weeks prior to international travel,” said Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky.
With the new positive test, there are now nine confirmed cases in California. The others are in Fresno, Los Angeles, Orange, Placer, San Mateo and Tuolumne counties.
According to Riverside University Health System, measles is spread by air through droplets when a person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes.
The most prominent symptom is a rash, although infected individuals can also suffer from fevers, a runny nose, cough and conjunctivitis (pink eye).
Measles typically is not deadly but can cause severe complications, especially to young children who haven’t yet received their vaccinations, according to health officials.
