Placer County has identified four additional measles cases - all within the same household as one previous case.
The county adds that no public exposures were reported for these cases, who had been asked to quarantine.
On Facebook, the county says, "Given the potential for exposure in the community while there is continued evidence of confirmed measles, Public Health recommends extra caution for residents who are not fully immunized — particularly when considering attending gatherings among populations known to you to have lower rates of vaccination."
As of March 23rd, California has reported a total of 29 cases statewide, with 23 of those people under 20 years old.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Three cases of measles are being reported in Placer County in teenagers, with a possible fourth case suspected.
All of the teenagers belong to the same family, with exposure to the illness suspected to have come through an extended family member, according to a release from Placer County Public Health.
That extended family member is not a resident of Placer County and had traveled to South Carolina, where a large measles outbreak is ongoing.
All people diagnosed are recovering at home.
The only child enrolled in school was the unconfirmed case and was not in attendance during the suspected infectious period.
"We believe the risk to the general public remains low, as this outbreak appears to be contained within an extended family,” said Placer County Health Officer Dr. Rob Oldham. “Nonetheless, it’s a good reminder to take proactive steps, especially when traveling to states or countries with active measles spread.”
Up to 90 percent of people without immunity who are exposed to measles will become ill.
