Measles Information for Clinicians

Update on Measles, June 2019

In 2019, several cases of measles were reported in Santa Clara County. These cases were all linked to travel, especially international travel. None of the cases are connected to each other. There is currently no measles outbreak in Santa Clara County.

Nearly all cases in the U.S. for 2019 have been linked back to international travel by unvaccinated people and subsequent spread in unvaccinated populations in the U.S. It is important for all international travelers over the age of 6 months to ensure that they have been vaccinated against measles prior to traveling.

Public Health Departments across the Bay Area are urging patients to talk to their doctor about travel immunizations at least 4-6 weeks before traveling, especially if they are traveling with a baby. Read the April 29, 2019 media release in English or Tagalog.

Read previous 2019 updates on measles from County of Santa Clara Public Health Department.

Reporting cases of measles:

Report suspected or confirmed cases of measles immediately, while the patient is still in your office, by phone to Public Health at (408) 885-4214; after hours, call 408-998-3438 and ask for the Health Officer on call. Call, do not fax.

Consider/suspect measles in patients with a morbilliform rash that begins on the face and fever ≥101°F (38.3°C), especially if unvaccinated. Ask about measles vaccination status, onset, and duration of fever and rash, exposure to other measles cases, travel history, and international visitors in the three weeks prior to illness. See the Measles QuickTool for a complete list of questions to ask.