The Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services has issued a warning regarding potential measles exposure at two locations in Eureka.
If you were at the Days Inn on Fifth St. in Eureka between May 9th at 2 p.m. and May 10th at 3 a.m., or at the Providence St. Joseph Hospital Emergency Department on Dolbeer St. between 2:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. on May 10th, you may have been exposed to measles. Whether or not you’re experiencing symptoms, please contact the Public Health Branch at 707-268-2182.
It’s crucial to act quickly. Vaccination within 72 hours of exposure can significantly reduce the risk of serious illness for unvaccinated individuals. A Public Health nurse will assess your potential exposure and provide guidance.
This warning comes after Public Health was notified that a person with measles visited the St. Joseph Hospital’s Emergency Department. Measles is highly contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing. The virus can linger in the air for up to an hour after an infected person leaves, posing a risk to others.
Symptoms can take 7 to 21 days to appear and typically include fever, cough, runny nose, pink eye, and a rash. Infected individuals are contagious from 4 days before to 4 days after the rash appears. Children under 5, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe complications.
Please take precautionary measures and seek medical advice if you believe you’ve been exposed.
