Santa Clara County, CA — Health authorities in the Bay Area have issued a warning following the detection of a measles case in a Santa Clara County resident, urging residents to be vigilant about possible exposure at three public locations.
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department, in collaboration with the Alameda County Public Health Department, held a joint press conference in San Jose on Friday to provide guidance for individuals who may have been at the identified sites during specific times.
The locations of concern include H-Mart at 1710 Oakland Road in San Jose on May 21 between 7:15 p.m. and 9 p.m.; a Starbucks at 35040 Newark Boulevard in Newark on May 23 from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Trader Joe’s at 1306 Grand Mall Parkway in Milpitas on May 25 between 4:45 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Officials urged anyone present at these locations during the noted time frames to check their vaccination status, which can be verified through healthcare providers or via the online portal at myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov. They also advised monitoring for symptoms for up to three weeks following potential exposure.
Symptoms of measles, according to Dr. Kavita Trivedi, Alameda County’s director of clinical guidance and communicable disease controller, include fever, rash, cough, conjunctivitis (red eyes), and runny nose.
Santa Clara County acting public health director Dr. Sarah Rudman emphasized the contagious nature of measles, calling it “one of the most contagious diseases that we know about.” She highlighted the importance of the MMR vaccine as the best defense against the spread of the illness.
Dr. Rudman also recommended that individuals who are unvaccinated, pregnant, have weakened immune systems, or have unvaccinated young children should contact their healthcare provider immediately if they were at the affected locations during the exposure windows.
The individual who tested positive is an adult resident of Santa Clara County who recently returned from international travel. They did not require hospitalization and are currently recovering at home.
Health officials stated that there is no ongoing risk of exposure beyond the identified times at these businesses.
This marks the first measles case reported in Santa Clara County since 2019. In 2024, Alameda County reported a measles case that similarly prompted public health warnings.
Residents are urged to remain cautious and ensure their vaccinations are up to date to help prevent further spread.