Health officials in the East Bay have confirmed a case of measles in Contra Costa County, with potential exposures reported at several local businesses. The individual was contagious from December 17 to December 24. Residents who shopped at Macy’s or Anthropologie in Walnut Creek during this timeframe may have been exposed to the virus.
Health authorities detailed specific locations and dates where exposure may have occurred. Those include Anthropologie at 1149 South Main Street on December 17 and 19, Macy’s at 320 Broadway Plaza on December 18, and several other locations such as ALO and the Apple Store on Broadway Plaza, as well as STAT Med in Lafayette and Kaiser Permanente’s Emergency Department in Walnut Creek.
Contra Costa Health officials emphasized the importance of vaccination, particularly for individuals who are unvaccinated, pregnant, or have weakened immune systems. Symptoms of measles typically emerge seven to 21 days after exposure and may include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash.
The health department advises anyone who visited these locations during the specified dates to consult their healthcare provider to confirm their vaccination status against measles or past infection. Given that measles can linger in the air and on surfaces for over an hour after an infected person leaves, vigilance is crucial to prevent further spread of this highly contagious disease.
As the community responds to this health alert, it serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccinations in maintaining public health and safety.