Measles outbreak in Southern California: doctors answer your questions

LOS ANGELES (KABC) – Doctors say that a confirmed person with measles can easily expose 1,000 people in four days. That's why experts say that it's so important to arm yourself with the right information.

The L.A. County Public Health Department reports that most people infected so far have not been vaccinated. But in one case, an infected person had only received one of two required vaccines against measles, mumps and rubella.

Here are some questions you have asked via social media, as well as expert answers:

If you were born in the mid-1960s and had a vaccine in the mid-1970s, does she need to be vaccinated again?

The CDC website indicates that a small percentage of people could have received the "killed" version of the vaccine from 1963 to 1968. If you're not sure about falling into this group, ask your doctor to test your blood.

And when in doubt, Dr. Diane Tanaka of the Los Angeles Children's Hospital said, "It's easier and faster to get a reminder. The drawing of the measles title can be expensive because it is a laboratory test.

"I was born in the early 50s and had measles as a child, surrounded by young children, should I be vaccinated?"

The answer is: if you know you have had measles, you are immune. However, if there is an outbreak in a place where you have recently visited, you can still be quarantined.

Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, said, "You will need to show us some evidence of immunity.If you meet someone with measles, you will need to". a blood test. "

How long does the MMR vaccine last in the adult?

The CDC states that if you have had two injections, you are immune and no reminder is needed.

Health officials say that people infected with measles can be contagious until four days before you see any sign of fever or rash.

"Unintentionally, you could be in many public places without knowing that you are contagious and in fact exposing many people to this virus," said Ferrer.

Do not forget that if you are not vaccinated, doctors tell you that you have a 90% chance of getting measles if you are exposed.

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