Southern Californians who rode Amtrak trains or buses through Los Angeles and Kern counties last week are being advised to check their vaccination status following a public health alert. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that an unvaccinated individual, now hospitalized with measles, completed a multi-county transit journey that included stops in Southern California.
The passenger's journey began in Chicago on September 10, arriving in Los Angeles on September 12. After spending several hours in Los Angeles, the individual continued north, with reported stops in Bakersfield (Kern County), and then further to Stockton, Oroville, Sacramento, and Emeryville. The journey concluded with an arrival in Denver on Tuesday. This route involved both trains and thruway buses, making transfers across six California counties: Alameda, Butte, Kern, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Joaquin. Public health officials noted that the departure and arrival times provided are estimates, based on published transit schedules.
Anyone who shared a train or bus with this individual, or was present at the same station on the same day during these specified travel dates, may have been exposed to measles. Given the highly contagious nature of the infection, health officials are strongly urging residents to ensure they are adequately vaccinated.
Dr. Rita Nguyen, assistant state public health officer, emphasized the significant health risks of measles, noting it is one of the most contagious infections and can lead to severe, lifelong consequences, including permanent brain damage. She also highlighted that measles can be fatal, particularly for children. Dr. Nguyen reinforced the safety and efficacy of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, stating it offers long-lasting protection. She further explained that vaccination protects both vaccinated individuals and those too young to be fully vaccinated.
The CDPH's alert comes amidst a broader increase in measles cases nationally and globally. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 2,318 measles cases nationwide this year, making it the highest annual total since a major epidemic between 1989 and 1991. The CDC also indicates that 93% of confirmed measles cases are linked to outbreaks, with 34 new outbreaks reported so far this year.
Closer to home, California has seen 59 measles cases across 13 counties this year. Health officials confirmed that over 90% of these cases involved individuals who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.
For those who are not fully immunized against measles or are uncertain of their vaccination status, the state public health department advises contacting a healthcare provider to discuss receiving the MMR vaccine. If an unvaccinated person suspects they were exposed to measles less than a week ago, they should consult a healthcare provider regarding potential preventative measures, such as vaccination or immune globulin treatment.
Individuals who are not immunized and may have been exposed between one and three weeks ago are recommended to stay home and limit interactions with others for 21 days following the exposure. During this period, it's crucial to monitor for symptoms such as a fever or an unexplained rash. To help prevent further transmission, anyone who suspects they may have measles should call their medical provider before visiting any healthcare facility.
