South San Francisco, CA February 26, 2015 Press Release SM Co Health Dept
San Mateo County Health System confirmed the County’s fourth measles case since the outbreak began in December 2014. People in San Mateo County and neighboring counties may have been exposed to measles while the San Mateo County resident was infectious.
Some BART riders may have been exposed to measles when the San Mateo County resident commuted on February 20th from the Millbrae station (boarding at 4:30 pm) to Civic Center in San Francisco (exiting around 5:00 pm) on a Richmond-bound train. While the risk of contracting measles by being exposed on BART is low, Bay Area residents should be aware and watch for symptoms if they are not vaccinated.
San Mateo County Health System’s Communicable Disease (CD) team is compiling a list of all people the person was knowingly in contact with while contagious, such as family and friends, and a list of public places where the person may have come into close contact with other people, such as workplace, public transportation, restaurants, and other public venues. The person’s employer is fully cooperating with the Health System to ensure the safety of any employees who may have been exposed.
Based on their investigation, the CD team contacts potentially exposed individuals in San Mateo County to inform them of possible exposure to measles. The team works with each person to determine his or her immunization status and for those who may not be immune to measles, recommendations are made to help prevent the virus from spreading. The CD team also contacts other counties where there may be potential exposure and each jurisdiction is responsible to notify and follow up accordingly with their residents. This is a standard process for controlling the spread of any confirmed infectious disease.
“Measles is a highly contagious disease, a dangerous disease for many people, such as infants, and most important, it’s a preventable disease,” said Dr. Scott Morrow, San Mateo County Health Officer. “The measles vaccine is safe and being vaccinated not only protects you and your family, but every child and person in your community. I strongly urge everyone to get vaccinated and help stop the spread of measles.”
People who have been immunized with the MMR vaccine (measles mumps rubella) – or who have had measles in the past – are extremely unlikely to be infected, even if they come into close contact with a contagious person. However, those who were not previously vaccinated are at high risk if exposed. If people are not sure, they should contact their healthcare provider.
For more information from the County on measles CLICK HERE
For more information from the State of California on measles CLICK HERE