For Clinicians

Measles Situation Update

April 17, 2024

A case of measles was confirmed in an Alameda County resident the week of 3/11/24.
ACPHD sent out a Health Alert on 3/18/24 urging all healthcare facilities and clinicians to consider measles in persons presenting with a febrile rash illness AND to report any suspect case of measles immediately by telephone.
The Association of Bay Area Health Officials sent out a press release on 3/29/24.
ACPHD continues to work with the health care community to be alert for new cases in the county and is prepared to quickly respond to any new exposures or cases.

CDPH sent out a Health Advisory on 3/14/24 and the CDC sent an Advisory on 3/18/24.
The United States has had more measles cases in the first 3 months of 2024 than in all of 2023.

For more information, including guidance updates and California case counts, visit the CDPH measles website

Actions Requested of Clinicians

Consider measles in any patient presenting with a febrile rash illness, especially if unvaccinated for measles or traveled internationally in the last 21 days. The AMA/CDC Be on Alert for Travel-Related Measles webinar may be a helpful resource.
If you suspect measles in a patient, please follow the steps listed in this infographic.
Patients with suspected measles should be placed in an Airborne Infection Isolation Room immediately, if possible. Detailed infection control guidance can be found here.
Suspect measles cases should be reported to ACPHD by phone immediately, and while the patient is still present if possible. M-F 8:30AM-5PM: (510) 267-3250 (Option 2); after-hours: (925)422-7595.
Collect Respiratory swabs (NP and OP) and urine for measles PCR testing at the Alameda County Public Health Lab with approval from ACPHD. When directed, serum samples for Measles IgM/IgG should be collected and routed to the California Department of Public Health-Viral and Rickettsial Disease Lab (VRDL). Do NOT use commercial laboratories for suspect measles cases. For detailed instructions, please see ACPHD’s Measles Testing & Specimen Routing Procedures document.
Ensure patients with suspected measles understand that they must isolate pending test results.