Sacramento health officials are warning of a potential viral explosion after more than 100 children were possibly exposed to measles at an educational enrichment program.
The alarm was sounded after an unvaccinated child, who was infectious at the time, attended the unidentified program in Sacramento County last week.
Public health officials now say as many as 130 children may have been exposed to the virus. The enrichment program has reportedly temporarily closed its facility following the incident.
“Measles, one of the most contagious infections, can lead to severe life-long consequences including permanent brain damage and can also be fatal, especially for children,” said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer, in a March 6 release.
“The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and provides long-lasting protection against measles. Vaccination protects both our own families and those who are too young to be fully vaccinated.”
Since late February, at least six cases have been confirmed across Sacramento and neighboring Placer County.
The scare also sent shock waves through a local hospital. One of the infected children was treated at the Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center on the morning of March 2.
The hospital has since been forced to track down every patient and staff member who was in the facility during that window.
