A Cal State Long Beach student has been diagnosed with measles, CSULB officials announced Wednesday.
The student, who does not live on campus, was exposed to a small group of students at an off-campus site during winter break, the week of January 12, said Dr. Michael N. Carbuto, lead physician of Student Health Services at CSULB in a statement.
“The university and the Long Beach Department of Health are working closely together and the exposed students have been notified and provided relevant instructions,” he said.
The student diagnosed with measles has since recovered and is doing well.
More than 70 cases of the measles have been reported in California since December. Officials from the State Department of Public Health believe someone carrying the measles virus was likely at Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure and spread the disease.
One additional person in Long Beach was diagnosed earlier this month, but that patient has since recovered, said Long Beach City Health Officer Dr. Mitchell Kushner.
Measles symptoms include a fever that is 101 degrees or more, cough, runny nose or red eyes, with a rash occurring 2-4 days after, but can also occur up to 21 days after exposure, Carbuto said. Measles is an infectious, airborne disease which can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis, and sometimes death in children, Kushner added.
Kushner said residents and students can protect themselves from Measles by taking the following precautions:
- Children should receive their first MMR vaccine at 12-15 months of age. The second dose of MMR is given at 4 to 6 years of age before going to school.
- Vaccinating children, adolescents, and adults is the best way to protect infants who are too young to receive the MMR vaccine.
- Vaccinations are safe. The benefits far outweigh any risks. Side effects are usually mild, such as soreness where the shot was given.
- Measles is found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Vaccination before traveling to these areas is recommended.
Students who have not had two doses of the vaccine should call Student Health Services at 562-985-8591 to schedule an appointment to obtain the MMR vaccine. Students may also contact the Long Beach Health Department at 562-570-4302 to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccination there.
Faculty and staff who have not been fully immunized are encouraged to contact their health care provider or the Long Beach Health Department.
The CSULB class schedule will not be affected.
For more information about measles and vaccinations, click here.