If you’ve been stressing over recent news about the measles – this one’s for you…
Angelenos and health officials are scrambling to stop the spread of the disease within the city – the Los Angeles Department of Public Health has confirmed that there are five known cases of the measles in L.A. County. California joins a growing list of states that have experienced recent outbreaks – the disease has also been detected in New York, New Jersey, Michigan, and Washington.
Public health clinics are offering free vaccines for uninsured and underinsured people across town. There have been reports of over 626 individual measles cases across 22 states, reaching a nationwide record high – officials are concerned that we may be on track for the worst measles outbreak this century. The last time numbers were this high was back in 2014 when 667 people were infected.
Symptoms include fever, dry coughing, runny nose, sore throat, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis), tiny white spots with bluish-white center found inside the mouth or inner lining of the cheek, as well as a rash which usually appears 10 to 21 days after being exposed. The virus can be spread via coughing and sneezing – it’s important to remember that it is highly contagious.
To find a list of the 14 public health clinics that you can receive a free vaccine, click here.