Protect Yourself: Tips for Avoiding Measles Exposure

Santa Clara County health officials are urging the public to review their immunization records after a person with measles visited the area last week . The individual , who lives in another state , traveled to three locations in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties while contagious , potentially exposing members of the public to the viral disease . The locations include the Starbucks in Los Gatos , Taqueria Los Pericos in Santa Cruz , and San Jose Mineta International Airport Terminal B and Southwest Airlines Flight WN 2804 . Health officials advised anyone who visited these places during specific times and dates to review their immunization records to determine if they are protected from measles.

Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air when an infected person speaks , coughs , or sneezes . Symptoms of measles include fever , cough , runny nose , red eyes , and a rash , with some individuals developing more serious complications . Health officials emphasized the importance of monitoring for symptoms for seven days to three weeks after potential exposure and encouraged pregnant individuals , infants , those with weakened immune systems , and unvaccinated individuals to contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Public health leaders in Santa Clara County are working to notify individuals who may have been exposed to measles brought in by an out - of - state visitor . Concerns are focused on the Starbucks in Los Gatos , Taqueria Los Pericos in Santa Cruz , and San Jose Mineta International Airport , where the infected individual visited . Health officials are trying to reach 90 residents who may have been exposed on a Southwest Airlines flight to Chicago and are advising anyone who visited the mentioned businesses to watch for symptoms of measles , which include a red blotchy rash , cough , runny nose , red eyes , and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Dr. Monika Roy of the Santa Clara County Public Health Department highlighted the importance of checking vaccination status , particularly for pregnant individuals , and contacting healthcare providers immediately if exposure is suspected . While the measles vaccine offers strong protection against the virus , it is not foolproof . Health officials are collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health to identify and provide care to individuals who may have been exposed to measles . It is crucial for the public to take quick action to prevent the further spread of this serious disease.

In conclusion , the recent measles scare in Santa Clara County serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination and public health measures in preventing the spread of infectious diseases . Monitoring symptoms , checking immunization records , and seeking medical attention if exposure is suspected are essential steps in protecting individuals and communities from potentially harmful outbreaks.