This is the skin of a patient after 3 days of measles infection; treated at the New York - Presbyterian Hospital.

The Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) on Tuesday confirmed two cases of measles in a single household in Fresno County.  

The FCDPH, the California Department of Public Health and Madera County Department of Public Health are working together to take steps to contact anyone who may have been exposed.

Though the risk to the general population is low from this current case, health officials urge residents to be up-to-date on their measles vaccinations, especially those traveling with young children to countries that are still impacted by measles outbreaks.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that is easily contracted by breathing air in an enclosed space shared with an individual infected with the measles. Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (red eyes) and a rash, which usually begins with the face and spreads down the body.

The top 5 countries with current measles outbreaks include India, Yemen, Pakistan, Indonesia and Somalia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Those with symptoms should stay in their homes, verify their immunization status and contact their doctor on how to proceed. It is recommended that those with symptoms wear a mask, ideally a KN95 or N95.

Children under the age of five, pregnant women and those who are immunocompromised are at high risk of hospitalization or death from pneumonia and neurologic complications due to measles.

“These cases are reminders of the critical role of vaccinations in protecting the community,” says Fresno County Health Officer Dr. Rais Vohra. “The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from measles is to get vaccinated. We urge all parents to please work with your pediatrician or contact the health department to help get your child up-to-date on vaccinations.” 

At this time, there is no specific antiviral treatment for measles and the best measure for the disease is vaccination.