California public health officials have issued a warning regarding possible measles exposure across several counties. This follows an unvaccinated passenger, infected with measles, travelling through the state on Amtrak trains and thruway buses.
The passenger entered California on an Amtrak train arriving in Los Angeles on 10 September, subsequently travelling through Bakersfield, Stockton, Oroville, Sacramento, and Emeryville before leaving California for Denver. At least six counties were affected: Alameda, Butte, Kern, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Joaquin.
Health officials state that passengers on the same trains or buses, and individuals inside stations along the route on the specified dates, may have been exposed to measles. The state is collaborating with federal partners and local health departments to identify and notify those potentially exposed.
This warning comes amidst the US facing its largest measles resurgence in over three decades, largely attributed to increasing vaccine hesitancy. Assistant state public health officer Rita Nguyen emphasised the importance of vaccination, stating that the MMR vaccine is safe and provides long-lasting protection.
Pennsylvania is currently experiencing the country's most severe active measles outbreak, with 731 confirmed cases across 38 counties and at least four measles-related deaths reported this year. The state is seeking emergency assistance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).