The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging residents to take preventative measures following a recent rise in measles cases throughout California.
Measles is a highly contagious virus, able to spread through the air through coughing, sneezing or being in a room with an infected person, even up to one hour after they have left the area. Symptoms may include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that typically begins on the face and spreads downward, according to Long Beach Health and Human Services.
Though most people recover within two weeks, measles can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis) or death, with those most at risk including infants, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems. Since there is no specific treatment for measles, care focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications…