Mass measles outbreak threatens Central Valley after farmworkers left Arizona

About 150 agricultural workers who recently left Arizona are being monitored for measles in three Central Valley counties in California.Fresno, Madera and Merced counties, along with the California Department of Public Health, said the workers were exposed to the highly contagious viral infection because there was a major outbreak in the part of Arizona they’re coming from.They added that more workers will be arriving to the state in the coming days.That said so far none of the workers have been reported to have measles.The Arizona Department of Health Services, and the three local Central Valley health departments said they are monitoring the workers for signs of the disease.

Moreover, the agencies said they will put in place any public health measures the situation needs.At this time, however, the Fresno County Health Department said the risk to the general population is low, but that the county will provide advisories and prepare.The agency advises anyone with symptoms related to measles like cough, runny nose, rash, fever, red eyes, to reach out to their medical provider.The two-dose measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine provides 97% protection from the virus, and is safe and effective, according to health officials.For more information on measles and the MMR vaccine, residents can visit cdph.ca.gov....