Infected Tourist Prompts Measles Warning in Santa Monica

By Lookout Staff

August 20, 2018 -- A tourist who visited Santa Monica earlier this month was infected with the measles and may have spread it to others, Los Angeles County Health officials said this weekend.

The person stayed at the Sea Blue Hotel at 1670 Ocean Avenue from August 8 to August 10 and dined at half a dozen restaurants in the city, according to health officials.

The person visited the following venues at the following times:

* Sea Blue Hotel from August 8 at 1:30 p.m. until August 10 at 1 p.m.

* The Urth Café on August 8 from 4 to 6 p.m.

* Chez Jay Restaurant on August 8 from 8 to 11 p.m.

* Cora’s Coffee Shoppe on August 9 from 9 a.m. to noon.

* Ivy at the Shore restaurant on August 9 from 5:45 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

* Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel restaurant on August 10 from 9 a.m. to noon.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) there is no current multi-state measles outbreak in the U.S.

Since the period of possible exposure took place more than one week ago, there is no current risk related to measles at the Santa Monica venues visited by the infected person, County health officials said.

There also is no current risk related to food that may have been consumed at these locations, since measles "is spread from person to person by the respiratory route," officials said.

The County, however, issued a warning that those who were at the Santa Monica locations when the tourist was present "may be at risk of developing measles and should watch for symptoms of the illness."

Especially at risk are "those with weakened immune systems or persons who may not have been vaccinated against measles," Health officials said.

Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (red eyes) and a rash which usually appears 10 to 12 days after the exposure.

Individuals should contact their health care provider if they develop measles symptoms, health officials said.

LA County Health Officer Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, said those who may have been exposed to measles can be protected from developing the disease by being immunized.

"It is important to contact your doctor by phone before going to their office so measures can be taken to prevent possible spread to other patients or staff,” Davis said.