Measles Exposure Alerts Issued in Bay Area Following International Travel Cases
Public health authorities in California’s Bay Area have issued a series of measles exposure alerts after confirmed cases in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Both cases involve adults who acquired the infection during international travel.
Santa Clara County Case (June 2025)
Confirmed Case
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department confirmed a measles case in an adult resident of the county. The individual acquired measles during international travel. The person’s vaccination status was not disclosed. This is the first confirmed measles case in Santa Clara County since February 2025.
Potential Exposure Locations and Times
On June 5, 2025, the individual may have exposed others at the following locations:
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO): International terminal (including passport control, customs, and international baggage claim area) from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- San Jose: Trader Joe’s on Coleman Avenue from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- San Jose: International Halal Market on East Santa Clara Street from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Health Advisory and Symptoms
Measles is highly contagious. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash. Authorities advised that unvaccinated individuals, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons may be at increased risk.
Individuals who were at the exposure locations during the specified times were urged to monitor for symptoms and, if symptoms develop, to contact a healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility in person.
Broader Context
- As of June 8, 2025, California had confirmed 49 measles cases in 2025. This was the highest annual count since 2019, when 73 cases were reported.
- Data indicated that 94% of cases involved unvaccinated individuals, and over 80% were in people under 19 years old.
- Santa Clara County issued similar exposure warnings earlier in 2025 (February and May).
- In 2025, a large outbreak in West Texas resulted in more than 750 cases, dozens of hospitalizations, and two deaths among unvaccinated patients.
San Mateo County Case (February 2026)
Confirmed Case
San Mateo County Health, in collaboration with Santa Clara County Public Health, confirmed a measles case in an adult resident of Santa Clara County. The individual recently returned from international travel. The person was vaccinated and is currently isolating at home.
Potential Exposure Locations and Times
The individual visited the Panda Express restaurant at 1453 Burlingame Avenue in Burlingame on:
- February 23, 2026: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- February 24, 2026: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Health Advisory and Symptoms
Individuals present at that location during the specified times may be at risk of developing measles. The risk was noted to be higher for unvaccinated, pregnant, or immunocompromised individuals. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash. The incubation period was stated to be up to 21 days.
Public health recommendations included staying home if symptoms develop and contacting a healthcare provider before seeking in-person care.
Local Context
San Mateo County reported two confirmed measles cases in 2026, following one case in 2025.
Vaccination and Prevention
Public health authorities from both counties stated that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine series is 97% effective at preventing measles. They noted that the Bay Area has high vaccination rates, contributing to community immunity. The MMR vaccine and other recommended immunizations are generally covered by health insurance in California.
Authorities from both counties reiterated that vaccination is the strongest protection against measles.