Public health officials have confirmed 2025’s first case of measles in San Diego County, affecting a teenage resident who recently traveled overseas.
The teen, who had not been immunized, may have exposed others at two locations:
- Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines Urgent Care, 10710 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, from 08:53 p.m. Wednesday to 12:26 a.m. Thursday.
- Rady Children’s Emergency Department, 3020 Children’s Way, first floor, from 11:01 p.m. Wednesday to 05:21 a.m. Thursday.
“Measles is a very contagious disease that can be spread easily by coughing, sneezing or being in the same room with an infected person,” Ankita Kadakia, M.D., the county’s deputy public health officer, said in a news release. “Anyone who was at any of the specific locations and at the dates and times listed above should watch for symptoms and call their health care provider if they show any signs of the disease.”
County epidemiologists are working with Scripps Clinic and Rady Children’s Hospital to identify potentially exposed patients and staff and follow up on their vaccination status and their potential for developing measles.
In 2024, four cases were confirmed in the county, all connected to international travel.
As of Monday, there have been 19 confirmed measles cases reported in California. As of Wednesday, there are 1,359 confirmed cases in the U.S. , along with 32 outbreaks, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People with symptoms are asked to call their doctor’s office in advance, rather than visit an office directly, so that infection control measures may be taken to prevent exposure to others.
Measles develops seven to 21 days after exposure. Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A distinctive red rash usually appears one to four days after symptoms start.
A person is considered contagious four days before and four days after the rash appears. The rash typically begins on the face and head, then proceeds downward and outward to the hands and feet. It fades in the same order it began, from head to feet.
“The best way to prevent measles is by getting the measles vaccine,” said Dr. Kadakia. “With measles outbreaks occurring in several countries, it is very important that all international travelers get vaccinated. Infants between 6 and 12 months of age who travel should get one dose, and travelers over 12 months of age should get two doses at least four weeks apart.”
Complications from measles are more common in children younger than 5 years old and adults 20 years and older. They include diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia. Death can occur from severe complications and the risk is higher among younger children and adults.
There is no treatment for measles. Bed rest, fluids, and fever control are recommended.
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