Santa Clara Co. resident infected with measles traveled to several Bay Area locations, including SFO

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) -- Public health officials are warning residents about possible measles exposure after a confirmed case in a Santa Clara County resident who recently traveled internationally.

According to the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department the individual was contagious while visiting several public locations, including the San Francisco International Airport and multiple grocery stores in San Jose.

Between 8:30 and 11 a.m. on June 8, the person was at the SFO international terminal and proceeded through passport control, customs and baggage claim.

Later that same day between 8 and 10 p.m. in San Jose they visited the Trader Joe's on Coleman Avenue and the International Halal Market in East Santa Clara Street.

"Folks who are vaccinated are very well protected against that risk and it's very unlikely that someone will get sick, although the likelihood is not zero. Someone who is unvaccinated in those circumstances is very likely to get sick," said Dr. Sarah Rudman, the county's public health director.

MORE: SF reports 1st measles case since 2019 after unvaccinated infant exposed during travel: officials

Measles spreads through the air and can linger even after an infected person has left an area, she said. People who may have been exposed are advised to watch for symptoms for up to 21 days. These can include fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and a rash.

"It's actually spread through the airborne route, which means somebody who walks into a room after someone with measles has left can still get sick," Rudman said.

Rudman also added that anyone who was directly exposed while on the flight or interacting with the person has been individually notified.

"A year ago, I would have said this is incredibly rare and now this is already our second case of the year. Because we are an area with such high vaccination and immunity rates, fortunately none of the cases we've seen in this area have turned into propagating outbreaks.," Rudman said.

If you visited the sites listed at the dates and times indicated, SCCPHD recommends the following:

• Review your immunization records to learn if you are protected against measles. Visit MyVaccineRecord.cdph.ca.gov or contact your healthcare provider.


• Call your healthcare provider immediately if you are pregnant, an infant, have a weakened immune system, or are unimmunized.


• Monitor for symptoms for seven to 21 days after the day of potential exposure.


• If you develop symptoms of measles, it is very important to call ahead to any medical facility before going there and to tell them that you may have been exposed to measles. This allows the facility to take measures to protect other patients and visitors.


• Do not attend large gatherings. Measles is one of the most infectious diseases in the world and spreads very rapidly. Given the number of large international events currently happening throughout the Bay Area, it is especially important that any unvaccinated, exposed individual quarantines to the best of their ability and avoids contact with others if feeling unwell.

Symptoms can appear seven to 10 days after exposure and include fever, cough, a red rash and tiny white spots in the mouth.