The County of San Luis Obispo Department of Public Health confirmed the first case of measles in San Luis Obispo on Oct. 8.
There are no known cases on campus, according to an email sent to students and faculty on Oct. 9 by Cal Poly Campus Health and Wellbeing.
The Department of Public Health identified two locations within the community where others may have been exposed to measles.
Possible exposure was recognized at the following locations and times:
- Family Industrial Medical Center
Oct. 5 between 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Oct. 6 between 12:30 – 3:00 p.m.
- Arroyo Grande Community Hospital’s Emergency RoomÂ
            Oct. 7 between 6:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Â
The department warns those that were at these places during these time intervals pose a risk of developing symptoms ranging anywhere from seven to 21 days after initial exposure.
Campus Health & Wellbeing listed common symptoms to look out for, these include:
- High fever
- Rash
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Red, watery eyes
Cal Poly’s Campus Health and Wellbeing Center offers a mumps, measles and rubella, otherwise known as MMR,vaccine for students. The vaccination is delivered through two injections, each costing $97, and are required to occur at a minimum of 28 days apart.
CH&W requires a second dose due to the statistic of 2%-5% of patients not developing immunity after the first injection according to their website’s immunization page.
Annaiya Franco, a statistics freshman, shares her thoughts regarding the illness being in San Luis Obispo.
“I’m a little nervous, honestly, I don’t get sick very often. I don’t think I catch illnesses, but I think measles is something that I’ve never been introduced to. So, I don’t know, I’m a little scared about that,” Franco said.
Interim County Health Officer Dr. Rick Rosen explained isolation protocols for people who have been exposed to measles. It is a four day period starting after the rash begins with the day that the rash appears being considered day zero.
This skin rash is the visible hallmark indicator of measles that warrants precautionary measures.
“Individuals who are severely immunocomprised may require longer isolation,” Rosen wrote.
For students who attended an exposure site and live in a higher density environment, such as a residency hall or shared apartment, Rosen advises them to watch for the development of symptoms and avoid contact with others.
“Students should not assume they need to move out or take other disruptive steps without first consulting public health,” Rosen wrote.
Campus Health & Wellbeing advises those who believe they have been exposed to wear a mask, visit a local pharmacy to receive the MMR vaccine or call the County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department at 805-781-5500.