SAN JOSE: Health authorities in Santa Clara County are advising the public to check their vaccination records in light of a measles case that was reported in the area last week.
According to the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, the infected person travelled to three locations in Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties while residing in another state.
The public may have been exposed to the virus at the following locations: San Jose Mineta International Airport Terminal B and Southwest Airlines Flight WN 2804 between 5:15 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on July 2, Taqueria Los Pericos at 139 Water St. in Santa Cruz between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on July 1, and Starbucks at 624 Blossom Hill Road in Los Gatos between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on July 1.
The health agency advises everyone who attended those locations during those times and dates to check their immunisation records to see if they are immune to the measles.
Health officials further advised anyone who is not immunised, has a compromised immune system, is pregnant, or has a newborn to get in touch with their doctor very once.
Lastly, the health agency advises the public to keep an eye out for symptoms for a period of seven days to three weeks following the day of possible exposure.
Frequent signs and symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, red eyes, coughing, and rash. More severe problems could arise in certain individuals.
When a person who has the measles speaks, coughs, or sneezes, the virus spreads quickly via the air. According to a statement from Dr. Monika Roy, an assistant health officer and communicable disease controller with the public health department, “it is very easy for anyone close to the individual to become infected.”
Roy went on, “If you think you may have been exposed, call your doctor right away.” “A prompt response can stop a great number of people from contracting this dangerous illness.”
In order to identify and provide care for anyone who may have been exposed to measles, the county health department is collaborating with the California Department of Public Health and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Roy encouraged the public to get vaccinated during a press conference on Monday afternoon.
“The good news is that those who have received the measles vaccine are extremely well protected,” the speaker stated, noting that the MMR vaccine, which consists of two doses, is 97% effective in preventing measles. “Yes, it significantly lowers your risk.”
