Sutter Creek, CA – Amador County Public Health is conducting an investigation of an unvaccinated visitor who tested positive for measles. This individual is not a resident of Amador County, but dined at a local restaurant while traveling through the area. There are currently no cases in Amador County. As part of this ongoing investigation, Amador County Public Health is asking anyone who was inside Strings Italian Café in Jackson on the evening of Wednesday, 3/23/2016, to call the Health Department at (209) 223-6407. Measles is a highly contagious disease that is easily spread through the air by coughing, sneezing or close contact with an infected person. “Measles is not a food-borne illness,” states Dr. Rita Kerr, Amador County Health Officer. “The owners and management of Strings Italian Cafe are fully cooperating with the investigation.”

Symptoms of measles usually begin with a fever, cough, runny nose and/or red, watery eyes. A red
rash occurs a few days later on the face and upper neck, then spreads down the back, trunk, arms and
legs. People are contagious from about 4 days before the rash appears through 4 days after it appears.
Anyone suspecting they have measles should CALL their medical provider BEFORE seeking care to
avoid exposing others.

“This is a good reminder of the importance of vaccination,” emphasizes Dr. Kerr. “Measles is a very
contagious and potentially severe vaccine-preventable disease that spreads through the air and by contact
with an infected person.”

Two doses of measles vaccine (MMR) are more than 99 percent effective in preventing measles.
Persons unsure of their vaccination status are advised to check with their doctor to see if a booster is
needed. Vaccinations are safe, and the benefits far outweigh any risks. Side effects are usually mild, such
as soreness where the shot was given.

To learn more about measles, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at:
http://www.cdc.gov/measles/ and the California Department of Public Health website at:
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Pages/Measles.aspx .