header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
March 28
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir


By Martin Macias Jr.

UPDATE, Friday Afternoon: While UCLA dropped its measles quarantine for all but one student Friday, California State University, Los Angeles, reported it has quarantined over 200 students and staff and want possibly hundreds who were exposed to the virus in a campus library to show proof of immunization.

Original Story, Thursday:
The University of California, Los Angeles, quarantined more than 120 students and staff Thursday who have contracted measles or may have been exposed to it amid fears of a continuing outbreak in Los Angeles County.

An outbreak on UCLA’s campus led university staff, working in tandem with city health staff, to quarantine 119 students and eight faculty members.

UCLA Chancellor Gene Block said in a statement the university moved quickly to respond to potential exposure cases – contacting over 500 students and staff and setting up care at campus hospitals – after being contacted by LA health officials April 22.

“Considering the time that has elapsed since the last possible exposure to the individual with measles on April 9, the highest risk period for developing measles has already passed – and the period during which symptoms may appear is nearing the end,” Block said in the statement. “Please be assured that we have the resources we need for prevention and treatment, and that we are working very closely with local public health officials on the matter.”

Officials said the quarantine will continue until students and staff can prove their immunity to the virus.

As of Thursday afternoon, UCLA cleared 43 of the 119 students and two of the eight faculty members who established proof of their immunity, reducing the total number quarantined to 82.

UCLA officials expect more people will be able to provide proof of immunization through medical records or through testing.

On Wednesday, the California Department of Public Health confirmed 38 measles cases in the Golden State – and the figure is expected to rise in the coming weeks. Officials said vaccination is a critical protection against the virus, especially for those who plan to travel internationally.

“Vaccination is the only way to ensure you and your family members will not get measles,” said state Public Health Officer Karen Smith in a statement. “Make sure you and your family are fully vaccinated before traveling internationally, and contact your health care provider immediately if anyone develops a rash and a fever while you are abroad, or when you return.”

Although California has a relatively high rate of vaccinations against measles – 95% of children entering kindergarten have been vaccinated – those who haven’t still pose a risk to the public, Smith said.

“Our vaccination rates have helped to stop the spread of measles in California,” Smith said. “However, as evidenced by the outbreaks to date, the remaining unvaccinated and undervaccinated Californians are at risk.”

Of the cases so far this year, 14 involved international travelers, 22 cases were spread by travelers to Californians and 2 cases are of unknown source, Smith’s agency said.

Six cases have been confirmed in LA County.

LA County health officer Muntu Davis said Thursday that residents’ chance of exposure has increased amid national and international measles outbreaks.

“Travel and attending large-scale events, especially in places with ongoing outbreaks, can increase your chances of exposure to measles,” Davis said in a statement. “This underscores the importance for those who are not immune to measles to get the measles immunization.”

LA County health officials confirmed Thursday that the sixth case involved a traveler who flew in and out of Los Angeles International Airport on April 18.

Officials said anyone who was at LAX’s international terminal between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. or Terminal 3 between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. April 18 may be at risk of developing measles for up to 21 days after exposure.

Travelers who may have been exposed at LAX have already been contacted, health officials said, adding that there is no current risk of exposure at the airport.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection which can be spread through the air, on surfaces and person-to-person.

Someone with the virus can spread it to others even before they have any symptoms. Most people who have not been immunized against measles will get it if exposed.

Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash which usually appears 10 to 21 days after exposure. It cannot be treated with antibiotics.

LA County health staff said individuals can protect themselves and prevent the spread of the disease by getting two doses of measles immunization.

The last widespread outbreak of measles in California affected 131 residents and was linked to visitors to Disneyland in Anaheim between December 2014 and April 2015.

State lawmakers advanced legislation Wednesday that, if passed, would give state health officials authority to review medical exemptions in order to determine whether parents are using valid reasons to send unvaccinated children to school.

The proposal, Senate Bill 276, builds on a 2015 law that removed the longstanding personal-belief exemption available to parents.

Currently, children must be immunized in order to attend public school unless they receive a medical exemption from their doctor.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

0 Comments

You can be the first one to leave a comment.

Leave a Comment


HIGHER EDUCATION LINKS
LOCAL COLLEGE HEADLINES
Tuesday, Mar 26, 2024
California State University, Northridge is partnering with the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and the Tataviam Land Conservancy to battle the impact of climate change in disadvantaged communities throughout the San Fernando Valley by establishing “urban forests.”
Monday, Mar 25, 2024
The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees will hold a special joint meeting with the Associated Student Government in open session from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Mar 20, 2024
Holly Hitt-Zuniga has been selected to represent COC and the National Science Foundation’s Center for Renewable Energy Advanced Technological Education in Iceland.
Wednesday, Mar 20, 2024
When you enter the main floor of the west wing of the California State University Northridge library, you’ll soon notice a new mural blending art, nature and the Indigenous history that the campus sits on.
Monday, Mar 18, 2024
California State University, Northridge’s Spring 2024 Cinematheque series will pay tribute to Hollywood casting director and producer Deborah Aquila, executive vice president and head of casting at Paramount Television Studios and CBS Studios, to mark the end of Women’s History Month on Wednesday, March 27.
Keep Up With Our Facebook

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites the community to "Let the Sunshine In," a delightful evening of food, wine and song at the annual Cabaret & Cabernet fundraising benefit.
April 20: Santa Clarita Master Chorale’s Cabaret, Cabernet Fundraiser
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
March 27 Ocean Water Warning
As an integral ingredient necessary to help the Santa Clarita Valley to flourish, feedback from the business community is the secret sauce for achieving great things.
SCVEDEC Asks For the Business Community’s Opinion on Santa Clarita
Raise your heart rate while raising funds for the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Dollars-for-Desks campaign to provide school desks for students in Sariaya, Santa Clarita's Sister City in the Philippines.
April 13: Sister Cities Zumba-thon Fundraiser
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
SCVEDC Company Spotlight: Drumming Up Big Business with Remo, Inc.
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
Schiavo Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Derogatory’ School Mascot Names
Los Angeles County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department  in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition for the cohorts of JCOD's Incubation Academy.
March 28: JCOD Incubation Academy Helps Grassroots Non-Profits For the Second Year
Children’s Bureau is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
April 18: Children’s Bureau Hosts Virtual Orientation
The Sunburst track was constructed in 1887 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and was a part of the main line running between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Enjoy Spring With a Ride On The Sunburst Track
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit today where he announced his support for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), legislation that would require a personal finance education course for California high school graduation.
State Superintendent Announces Support for Personal Finance Graduation Requirement
1847 - Probable birth date of Pico Canyon oil driller Charles Alexander Mentry [story]
C.A. Mentry
The first Music Jam Session at The MAIN was held on Thursday, Feb. 22 and was a hit. Come out and join in for the next one on Thursday, March 28 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
March 28: The MAIN to Host Musicians’ Jam Session
Los Angeles County Inspector General Max Huntsman of the Office of Inspector General has issued a report entitled "Tenth Report Back on Implementing Body-Worn Cameras in Los Angeles County."
Office of Inspector General Issues Latest Report on LASD Body Cams
College of the Canyons women's tennis played to a convincing 7-2 conference win over Ventura College on Moica to strengthen its potential playoff resume.
Canyons Closes Out Ventura 7-2 in Final Home Match
Join the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce with the Latino Business Alliance at the Cinco de Mayo Networking Celebration on Tuesday, May 7.
May 7: Latino Business Alliance Cinco de Mayo Celebration
The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control is hosting March Meowness promotion where all cat adoptions are just $15 from now until April 9.
Adopt a Cat During March Meowness at Castaic Animal Center
California State University, Northridge is partnering with the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and the Tataviam Land Conservancy to battle the impact of climate change in disadvantaged communities throughout the San Fernando Valley by establishing “urban forests.”
CSUN Partners with Fernandeño Tataviam Band to Build Urban Forests
Join the Santa Clarita Artists Association on Monday, April 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, 23630 Valencia Blvd., Valencia, CA 91355, for the SCAA monthly meeting and guest demonstrator.
April 15: SCAA Presents Debbie Abshear Watercolor Demo
Residents are invited to join members of the Santa Clarita City Council for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the addition of Santa Clarita's 38th park, Skyline Ranch Park, 18355 Skyline Ranch Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91351, to the Santa Clarita parks system on Saturday, April 6, at 10 a.m.
April 6: Grand Opening for Santa Clarita’s 38th Park
The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center is preparing for the annual fundraising event, Celebrity Waiter, with the theme “California Dreamin’” on Saturday, April 27 at Bella Vida, 27180 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91351.
Table Sponsorships Still Available for Celebrity Waiter Dinner
Springtime in Santa Clarita brings not only vibrant blooms and opportunities to embrace the outdoors with warmer weather, but also an array of free, family-friendly events and this Saturday is no exception.
Ken Striplin | A Fun, Festive, Egg-Filled Day
SCVNews.com