County health officials fear measles outbreak

April 01--STOCKTON -- San Joaquin County Public Health Services is hoping to avoid a measles outbreak after discovering someone who would have been contagious with the disease ate at a Stockton restaurant on March 22.

Anyone who ate at the Royal Indian Cuisine, 7610 Pacific Ave., between 5 and 10 p.m. on March 22 is asked to contact Public Health Services at (209) 468-3822.

Measles is highly contagious. People don't have to come into direct contact with someone with the disease but need to merely be around them. It spreads through the air.

Anyone who has had measles or a measles shot is unlikely to become sick. But those who have not had measles or a vaccine are highly susceptible. They can spread it to friends and family members before they even know they are ill.

Last year, more than 100 people became ill from measles after someone who was contagious went to Disneyland.

The person who ate in the restaurant in Stockton is the only known case of measles in California, and officials hope the disease will not spread.

Measles can be serious. It usually begins with a fever as high as 105 degrees, cough, runny nose and red eyes. These symptoms are followed by a rash that starts at the head, spreads to the chest and then the legs.

Anyone who has these symptoms should stay home and away from other people, since they are likely to spread the disease. They also should call county Public Health Services immediately.

Those who require medical attention should call the healthcare facility before heading there so measures can be taken to prevent the disease's spread.

The outbreak of measles last year stoked debate on vaccinations. One study, since debunked by dozens of further studies, said childhood vaccines could be linked to higher rates of autism, and scores of parents have decided not to vaccinate their children.

Most medical officials have said the risk of complications from vaccines is so much lower than the risk of complications from illnesses, such as measles, that they recommend children get them. State laws enacted last year require vaccinations for children who go to public schools with very few exceptions. And an outbreak at a Nevada City school last week caused the school's temporary closure. It's an area among the lowest vaccination rates in California, according to officials.

A story published in the Journal of the American Medical Association earlier this month said a review of 18 measles studies and 32 pertussis (whooping cough) studies found that children whose parents intentionally did not have them vaccinated contribute to disease outbreaks. The story did say other factors are likely at work, as well, but cited the rise in rates of both highly contagious diseases.

Measles Overview -- HealthGrove

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