California Measles Cases Reach 56, Dept. of Public Health Officials Say
So far this year, there have been 56 confirmed cases of measles in California -- a significant jump from the four cases confirmed at the same time in 2013, according to state Department of Public Health officials, KPCC's "KPCC News" reports (Plevin, "KPCC News," KPCC, 4/11).
This year is the first time that the number of California residents diagnosed with measles has surpassed 40 cases since 2000 (California Healthline, 3/31).
Five new cases of the illness were confirmed by DPH last week, including two individuals who intentionally skipped measles vaccinations and one individual who had received the vaccine.
Among the new cases were the first individuals in Monterey and Shasta counties to be diagnosed with measles this year. The counties noted that in both cases the affected individuals had acquired the illness while traveling.
The new cases also included a Southern California man who contracted the disease locally, according to an Orange County spokesperson ("KPCC News," KPCC, 4/11).
This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.