Measles Risk at SFO Sparks Call for Vaccines

A person who had measles may have passed through San Francisco International Airport’s international terminal earlier this week, then later that evening visited two shops in San Jose. The Santa Clara County Public Health Department warned people who were not vaccinated that they could catch the virus and should stay home to stop it spreading. The traveler was seen between 8:30 a. m. and 11 a. m. at the airport’s passport control, customs and baggage claim area. Later, from 8 p. m. to 10 p. m. , the same individual went to a Trader Joe’s on Coleman Avenue and an International Halal Market on Santa Clara Street. Anyone who was in those places during the listed times could develop measles 7–10 days after exposure. The health office urged unvaccinated folks, especially those who travel or attend big events, to be extra careful.“Vaccination is the best defense, ” said the county’s health officer. “Two doses of MMR or MMRV keep measles at bay and can stop outbreaks. ” Those who think they might have been exposed should check their vaccination records. If a fever, cough, runny nose, rash or red eyes appear within one to three weeks, they should call a doctor and warn any health‑care provider that they may have been exposed. Pregnant women, infants, the unvaccinated and people with weak immune systems are advised to seek medical help right away. The department is working with state and federal agencies on contact tracing. As of early June, California had 49 confirmed measles cases, most of them in unvaccinated children under 19. The Bay Area has high vaccination rates, but small pockets of low coverage still exist. Recent outbreaks in Texas and earlier warnings from the county show that measles can spread quickly, so staying up‑to‑date on vaccines is key.