Public Health Department Responds to Public Measles Exposure in Santa Clara County

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, Calif. –   The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department has been notified of a measles case in a non-Santa Clara County resident who was in the county during their infectious period. The individual traveled out of San José Mineta International Airport on July 2, 2024. Individuals who visited the sites below at the dates and times indicated may be at risk of developing measles due to exposure.
 

If you visited the sites above at the dates and times indicated, Public Health recommends you: 

• Review your immunization records to learn if you are protected against measles. Visit myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov or contact your healthcare provider.
• Call your healthcare provider immediately if you are pregnant, an infant, have a weakened immune system, or are unimmunized.
• Monitor for symptoms for seven to 21 days after the day of potential exposure.

Common symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash, which can appear seven to 21 days after the exposure. Some people may develop more serious complications. If you develop these symptoms, call your doctor right away. It is very important to call ahead to any medical facility before going there and to tell them that you may have been exposed to measles, so that the facility can take measures to protect other patients and visitors.

“Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when someone with measles speaks, coughs, or sneezes. It is very easy for anyone close to the individual to become infected,” said Dr. Monika Roy, Communicable Disease Controller and Assistant Health Officer at County of Santa Clara Public Health Department. “Call your doctor right away if you think you may have been exposed. Quick action can prevent many more people from becoming sick with this serious disease.” 

In collaboration with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and California Department of Public Health, Public Health is working with the above locations and agencies to identify close contacts who were exposed to measles during the infectious period. This includes passengers on Southwest Airlines Flight WN 2804.

The person with measles is an adult who was exposed to measles in a different state. Further information about the individual will not be released for reasons of medical privacy.

Santa Clara County benefits from very high rates of vaccination against measles. Most people received two doses of measles vaccine (“MMR vaccine”) as children and are therefore at much lower risk of getting measles if exposed. Young children, unvaccinated children and adults, and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing more severe health complications. Two doses of MMR vaccine is the best protection against the measles. 

Measles immunizations are available at your healthcare provider, local pharmacy, or health clinic. The Public Health Department offers immunizations, which are usually covered by insurance: sccphd.org/iz.

Need a doctor or health insurance? Call the County's Patient Access Department at 1 (866) 967-4677.

For more information about measles, visit: sccphd.org/measles. 

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About the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department
The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department is committed to protecting and improving the health and well-being of county residents. By focusing on its core values of equity, diversity and collaboration, accountability, integrity, and impact, the Public Health Department will create a safe, healthy community where all people thrive. 

To learn more about how the Public Health Department prevents disease and injury, educates communities, promotes healthy lifestyles, and influences sound health policy, please visit our website, sccphd.org.

Media Contact:  Aaron Groff/Marianna Moles, Public Health Department, Media Line: (408) 222-0410, [email protected]