Infected Amtrak rider triggers measles alert in 6 CA counties

Key Points:

• California public health officials warn of potential measles exposure after an unvaccinated passenger traveled through six counties on Amtrak trains and buses between Sept. 10-14, including Alameda, Butte, Kern, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Joaquin.
• The passenger's route included stops in Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Stockton, Oroville, Sacramento, and Emeryville before departing to Denver, prompting officials to notify those who may have been exposed at stations or on the trains and buses.
• Measles is highly contagious and particularly dangerous for unvaccinated individuals, young children, and pregnant people; California has reported 59 measles cases in 13 counties this year, with 94% involving unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status patients.
• Officials urge exposed individuals to monitor for symptoms such as fever and rash within 7 to 21 days after exposure and to contact healthcare providers before visiting facilities if symptoms develop to prevent further spread.
• Vaccination with two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the best protection, and people unsure of their vaccination status are encouraged to consult their doctor about immunization.