Since the news first came out last week about a measles case in San Diego, we’ve gotten a lot of questions from moms. We all want to know: “What does this mean?” “Is my baby in danger?” “Where did this happen?” “Who was exposed?”
First, Let’s Explore the Facts
The sick baby is 11 months old, and traveled recently to the Philippines. However, there was potential exposure recorded at the following locations:
Kaiser Permanente Otay Mesa Medical Offices, 4650 Palm Ave., San Diego, CA 92154 on the following dates and times: July 29 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Pediatric Clinic; August 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Pediatric Clinic, Urgent Care and Pharmacy; and August 5 from 4:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the Pediatric Clinic.
Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center, 9455 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92123: August 5 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the Emergency Department. Source
Measles Symptoms
The reason why these visits are being disclosed to the public is because a person (or baby) can contract measles days before the symptoms start to show. These symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, and conjunctivitis. These first symptoms are typically followed by a rash. This rash develops around the face and hairline, and then spreads downward over the body, often spiking a higher fever as well.
Finally, there are Koplik spots. These tiny white spots can appear in the mouth several days after initial symptoms as well.
Resources for Worried Mamas
It’s true that measles can hit the very young and the very old particularly hard. Other concerns include foreign travel and exposure for babies under 12 months of age. First of all, if you are planning to travel internationally with a baby, talk to your doctor about how to be best prepared.
Track measles cases in California here.
Get more measles FAQ here.
And finally, tune in on Friday when our own mama Ashly goes live on Instagram with Dr Jamie Friedman from CPCMG!
When: Thursday Aug. 15 at 7PM
Where: On Instagram
Do you have a question you’d like to ask the doctor about measles? Leave us a comment below and we will try to add it into Thursday’s conversation. Tune in and join us!
About Dr. Friedman:
Dr. Jaime Friedman attended the University of Maryland School of Medicine and completed a pediatric residency at Oregon Health Sciences University. She is the lead physician at the 4S Ranch office for Children’s Primary Care Medical Group and is a member of their board of directors.
Dr. Friedman has been prominent on social media for the past five years and is on the Council on Communications and Media for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), as well as an official spokesperson for the AAP. She has been quoted in many major local and national publications and is featured in a monthly television spot on Fox 5 San Diego. You can find Dr. Friedman online at drjaimefriedman.com and on all social media platforms @DrJaimeFriedman.
