PLACERVILLE, CA – In a concerning development, a confirmed case of measles emerged on March 5th when a child sought medical attention at UC Davis Emergency Department after an evaluation at San Joaquin Urgent Care. Roughly 300 individuals may have been exposed during the specified timeframe, raising public health alarms in El Dorado County.
Authorities are urging anyone who visited the UC Davis ED between 12 pm and 5 pm on March 5th to take immediate action. The El Dorado County Public Health department has established dedicated contact lines for affected individuals:
- Placerville: (530) 621-6320
- South Lake Tahoe: (530) 573-3154
Dr. Matthew Minson, El Dorado County’s Public Health Officer, emphasized the need for proactive communication, stating, “We will be receiving a list of those who were confirmed at the UC Davis Emergency Department at that time and will be contacting those individuals for further instructions. Please do not go directly to the emergency department, as that could increase spread and put others at risk.”
Measles, a highly contagious and potentially severe illness, poses a particular threat to young children, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems. Vaccination remains a crucial preventive measure. Dr. Minson underscores the importance of early evaluation if measles is suspected.
The gravity of the situation necessitates swift and cooperative action from the community, ensuring the prompt identification and isolation of potential cases to prevent further transmission. Public health officials are closely monitoring the situation, and cooperation from the public is crucial to mitigate the impact of this possible measles outbreak in El Dorado County. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and contact the designated health lines if you were in the UC Davis ED on March 5th between 12 pm and 5 pm. Your health and the well-being of the community depend on it.
