In Los Angeles, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and California State University (CSU) have enforced quarantine measures affecting hundreds of students and faculty after two individuals exhibited symptoms consistent with measles.
UCLA reported that a student was diagnosed with the measles after attending classes while contagious. Following a notification from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH), the university reached out to approximately 500 individuals who might have been exposed, requesting proof of vaccination. While many were able to verify their immunization status, 119 students and eight faculty members who could not provide documentation were instructed to remain at home until they received clearance.
Chancellor Mark Davis reassured the campus community, stating that public health experts are collaborating closely with local officials to ensure that all necessary notifications and care are provided to those potentially affected.
At CSU, officials identified a possible exposure event on April 11, when a person who may have been contagious was present in Library North from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In response, 127 employees and 71 students were sent home under quarantine orders, advised to limit contact with others until they could confirm their vaccination status.
Both universities are working diligently to manage the quarantine protocols and support affected students living on campus. The California Department of Public Health has noted an alarming rise in confirmed measles cases this year, reporting a jump from 23 to 38 cases in just one week. The state had recorded only 11 measles cases in the entirety of the previous year.
On April 22, LA County officially declared a measles outbreak after confirming five cases, with international travel cited as a significant factor. Among those infected were the UCLA and CSU students. Public health officials are urging vaccinations to prevent further spread, especially before any international travel. They have identified various sites of potential exposure, including both university campuses and the airport.
Nationwide, measles cases have surged, with over 700 reported in the United States in 2019 alone, leading to 66 hospitalizations. Most cases involve unvaccinated individuals. The outbreak’s root causes include international travel and the rising anti-vaccine sentiment, which has diminished immunization rates both domestically and globally. The anti-vaxx movement continues to gain traction, fueled by misinformation shared through social media platforms.
The MMR vaccine, effective at 97% with two doses, is crucial in preventing measles. Although the disease was declared eradicated in the U.S. in 2000, the number of cases has surged as vaccine hesitancy spreads. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe health complications or even death. The most effective defense against these outbreaks is widespread vaccination; if everyone gets vaccinated, we could potentially eradicate this disease once again.
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In summary, after two students in Los Angeles showed measles symptoms, UCLA and CSU quarantined hundreds of individuals to prevent further spread of the disease, which has seen a worrying resurgence across the nation this year. The outbreak underscores the critical importance of vaccinations in protecting public health.