MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR ORANGE COUNTY CLINICIANS
FE B R U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 2 6 R EG IN A CH IN SIO -K W ON G , D O
SPECIAL EDITION - MEASLES
COUNTY HEAL TH O FF ICER
In this newsletter you can expect:
You’ve likely seen recent news reports about measles cases and outbreaks across the country. Here in Orange County, the past two months have brought several confirmed cases that were not epidemiologically linked, along with multiple • Press Releases/News exposure events involving individuals who were infectious while visiting our Highlights – pg. 2 community. These developments underscore the importance of heightened awareness and preparedness.
While a good portion of our community is likely immune – either through vaccination or prior infection in older groups, there are still individuals at risk • Public Health when cases occur. Earlier this month, The Atlantic featured “This is How a Child Communicable Disease Dies of Measles”- highlighting a potential situation where a parent who was Updates - pg. 7 hesitant in vaccinating their 5 year old daughter finds themselves in a horrible situation where their daughter becomes ill with measles after attending a friend's party then transmits it to their 11 month old brother who is too young to be vaccinated and eventually develops Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) • Community years later. Collaborative Updates – pg. 14 Measles is one of the most contagious vaccine -preventable diseases in the world. Rapid identification and isolation are critical to limit further transmission. Complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death are more common in children under 5 and older adults, and a rare but fatal condition, • Safety Alerts/Recalls/ Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), can occur years after infection. For Outbreaks/Foodborne exposed high-risk individuals, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help mitigate Illnesses – pg. 16 illness - but must be administered within a limited time frame after exposure. Now is the time to ensure your clinical protocols are ready. • Review the classic signs and symptoms of measles: fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, and the characteristic rash. • Confirm that your team knows how to immediately isolate suspected cases and implement airborne precautions. • Establish clear procedures for expedited evaluation and coordination with the OC Health Care Agency for testing and reporting. • Encourage staff, patients, and the community to know their risk and get vaccinated if they haven't already done so!
• Training & Webinar Opportunities - pg. 18
Together, we can prevent further spread and protect our community. Thank you for your continued vigilance and commitment to public health.
Warm regards, Drs. Regina Chinsio-Kwong (CK), Almaas Shaikh, and Anissa Davis
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