An Unvaccinated Measles Patient Crossed CA By Train And Bus — Here’s The Route

California health officials are warning the public that a person who was hospitalized for measles and who was not vaccinated recently traversed the state by train and bus, traveling to cities in southern, central and northern California.

The person traveled to the state in mid-September via Amtrak train from Chicago to Los Angeles and then made stops in Bakersfield, Stockton, Oroville, Sacramento and Emeryville over the course of several days, before departing for Denver, according to the California Department of Public Health.

The department is working with federal and county officials to notify passengers and others who may have been exposed. For more specifics about the person’s route, visit the department website.

“This case, along with previous measles outbreaks in California this year, serve as reminders of the importance of vaccination against measles. Measles is one of the most contagious infections that can lead to severe life-long consequences including permanent brain damage and can also be fatal, especially for children,” Dr. Rita Nguyen, assistant state public health officer, said in a news release.

“The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and provides long-lasting protection against measles. Vaccination protects both our own families and those who are too young to be fully vaccinated.”

Symptoms, Case Counts And How To Stay Healthy

Symptoms of measles include a fever followed by a cough, a runny nose, pink eye and a rash, according to the department.

As of Sept. 14, there had been 59 measles cases reported in 13 counties statewide, with 94 percent of cases affecting patients who were unvaccinated or did not know their vaccination status, according to the department.

Anyone exposed to or with symptoms of measles should check their immunity status, contact a healthcare provider if they are not immunized and the exposure was a week ago or less, stay home and limit interactions if they are not immunized and between seven and 21 days have passed since the exposure, monitor for symptoms, and call a medical provider before visiting a health care facility.

Families can check vaccination status on the California Digital Vaccine Record and schedule vaccination at myturn.ca.gov or by contacting a pharmacy or health care provider, according to the department.