Sacramento Health Officials Issue Warning After Measles Exposure at Enrichment Program
Sacramento health officials are alerting the public to a potential measles outbreak after more than 100 children were possibly exposed to the virus at an educational enrichment program.
The concern arose when an unvaccinated child, who was contagious at the time, attended the program in Sacramento County last week.
Authorities now estimate that up to 130 children may have come into contact with the virus. The enrichment program has temporarily shut down its facility following the incident.
Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer, emphasized the seriousness of measles in a statement, highlighting its potential for severe consequences, including permanent brain damage and fatality, particularly in children.
She also stressed the safety and effectiveness of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine in preventing the spread of the virus.
As of late February, six cases have been confirmed in Sacramento and Placer County.
The outbreak has also impacted a local hospital, with one infected child receiving treatment at Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center on March 2. The hospital is now working to identify and monitor all individuals who were present during that time.
