LA QUINTA (CNS) - A 20-year-old man infected with measles traveled through the Coachella Valley over Memorial Day weekend, exposing an unknown number of people while he was contagious, prompting Riverside County health officials today to warn residents to be aware of symptoms.
The patient, identified only as a Santa Barbara resident, was mainly in La Quinta and Palm Desert from May 24-26, according to the Riverside County Department of Public Health.
“Persons who may have been on-site at ... the locations may be at risk of developing measles for up to 21 days after being exposed,” according to an agency statement. “The department is asking people who may have been at the locations on these dates to check whether they are immune and to consult with their primary care provider if they may be at risk.”
Officials confirmed that the man visited the following places on the dates below:
-- La Quinta Estates, 77270 Loma Vista, May 24;
-- Lavender Bistro, 78073 Calle Barcelona, La Quinta, May 24;
-- Silver Rock Golf Course, 79179 Ahmanson Lane, La Quinta, May 25;
-- Desert Willow Golf Resort, 38-995 Desert Willow Drive, Palm Desert, May 26;
-- Petco, 78720 Highway 111, La Quinta, May 26; and
-- Chevron, 79513 Highway 111, La Quinta, May 26.
People who were vaccinated for measles, usually as children, are at very low risk of contracting it, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. People who have been sick with measles at some point also have an immunity, officials said.
The respiratory disease is highly contagious, passed by exposure to a sick person's coughs or sneezes, according to the CDC.
Symptoms include fever, runny nose, watery or inflamed eyes, coughing and an unmistakable rash, officials said.
“If they have any of these symptoms, they should contact their provider's office before going in so that arrangements can be made to reduce potential spread,” according to the Department of Public Health.
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