Measles Case Confirmed In East Bay

WALNUT CREEK, CA — East Bay health officials have announced a confirmed case of measles.

The person was contagious in public between Dec. 17 and Dec. 24.

The public may have been exposed at these locations in Walnut Creek and Lafayette:

• Dec. 17 or Dec. 19: Anthropologie, 1149 South Main St., Walnut Creek.
• Dec. 18: Macy’s, 1320 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
• Dec 18: ALO, 1292 Broadway Plaza, Suite 1106, Walnut Creek
• Dec. 18: Apple Store, 1200 South Main St., Walnut Creek
• Dec. 21: STAT Med, 3799 Mount Diablo Blvd. #100, Lafayette
• Dec. 23-24: Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Emergency Department, 1425 South Main St., Walnut Creek

People who were at these locations during the dates listed above may be at risk of developing measles, especially if unvaccinated, pregnant, or immunocompromised, according to Contra Costa health officials.

Measles can develop seven to 21 days after exposure. Anyone who was at those locations during the hours listed should confirm that they are fully vaccinated against measles or have had a prior measles infection.

Health officials warned that measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus. It can linger in the air or on surfaces for over an hour after a contagious individual leaves. "This makes it even easier to spread to those who do not have protection. Also, a person can spread the virus to others even before they develop symptoms," according to health officials.

Anyone who has symptoms should stay home and call a healthcare provider immediately before seeking care, Contra Costa Health officials said. Anyone who is symptom-free for more than 21 days after exposure is no longer at risk of developing measles.

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that spreads over the body. Although the risk of contracting measles is low for people who are fully vaccinated, health officials said to be aware of the situation and watch for symptoms.

Contra Costa Health is conducting contact tracing and notifying local healthcare providers to be vigilant for possible measles cases.

More information about measles can be found on the Contra Costa Health website.
This is an ongoing story, and Patch will provide updates from the agency as they become available.