Commuter with measles prompts California transit warning

Officials in Northern California on Wednesday warned Bay Area Rapid Transit commuters that they may have been exposed to measles.

Contra Costa County public health officials say someone was diagnosed with the disease after riding BART trains between Lafayette and San Francisco during the morning and evening commutes Feb. 4 through Feb. 6.

Officials said Wednesday that the patient also dined at E&O Kitchen and Bar on Feb. 4.

The state Department of Public Health said it does not know how many San Francisco Bay Area residents have measles vaccines. The number of parents declining to vaccinate their children has risen in the region—and the country—in recent years, though the majority is vaccinated.

Health officials said Wednesday that those without vaccinations who came into contact with the BART commuter are a "high risk" of coming down with measles. People displaying symptoms are urged to seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms include high fever, runny noses, coughing and watery red eyes and can begin from one to three weeks after exposure. An infected person is contagious for several days before and after the rash appears.

Health officials say the risk of vaccinated commuters contracting measles is "highly unlikely." People born before 1957 are considered immune.

More than 100 people in California and others in several states and Mexico have been infected with measles since an outbreak traced to Disneyland was first reported in December.

It's not known how the commuter contracted the disease.

Health officials urge vaccination.

"The measles vaccine is very effective and is a standard part of pediatric primary care," said Dr. Tomas Aragon, San Francisco Health Officer. "While we are concerned about the current outbreak in California and its potential to spread, we cannot emphasize enough that the solution is simple and available: be vaccinated."

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