Los Angeles, California — California health officials are warning of possible measles exposures after an unvaccinated traveler with the highly contagious disease traveled by Amtrak train and bus through Los Angeles and several other counties.
The traveler entered California aboard Amtrak Train 3 from Chicago and arrived at Los Angeles Union Station on Sept. 12, according to the California Department of Public Health. The passenger then continued traveling through the state using multiple trains and Amtrak Thruway buses before eventually being hospitalized.
Officials said the travel itinerary included transfers in at least six California counties: Los Angeles, Kern, San Joaquin, Butte, Sacramento and Alameda.
Anyone who was aboard the affected trains or buses, or who was present at the stations during the identified travel periods, may have been exposed.
California Officials Work to Identify Those Exposed
The California Department of Public Health is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health departments to identify and notify passengers and other people who may have been exposed.
The case is also prompting renewed warnings about measles vaccination.
“This case, along with previous measles outbreaks in California this year, serve as reminders of the importance of vaccination against measles,” Assistant State Public Health Officer Dr. Rita Nguyen said.
Health officials are urging people who may have been exposed to review their vaccination records and determine whether they have received the recommended doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
According to state health officials, two doses of the MMR vaccine are considered full vaccination and provide about 97% protection against measles.
Traveler’s Route Included Multiple California Stops
The passenger’s itinerary covered several days and included long-distance train travel as well as connecting buses.
The known travel schedule was:
- Sept. 10-12: Amtrak Train 3 from Chicago to Los Angeles, arriving at Union Station at 8:12 a.m.
- Sept. 12: Thruway Bus 5717 from Los Angeles to Bakersfield, departing at 10:55 a.m. and arriving at 1:45 p.m.
- Sept. 12: Train 717 from Bakersfield to Stockton, departing at 2:02 p.m. and arriving at 6:29 p.m.
- Sept. 12: Thruway Bus 3717 from Stockton to Oroville, departing at 6:35 p.m. and arriving at 9:30 p.m.
- Sept. 13: Thruway Bus 3718 from Oroville to Sacramento, departing at 4 p.m. and arriving at 6:05 p.m.
- Sept. 13: Train 749 from Sacramento to Emeryville, departing at 6:53 p.m. and arriving at 8:36 p.m.
- Sept. 14: Train 6 from Emeryville toward Denver, departing at 8:25 a.m.
The extensive itinerary means potential exposures could involve passengers and others who spent time at several stations or aboard the transportation services during the relevant periods.
What Exposed People Should Do
Health officials are advising people who may have been exposed to check their vaccination records as soon as possible.
People who are unvaccinated and were exposed within the previous seven days are being advised to contact a health care provider about vaccination or immune globulin. Immune globulin may be recommended for certain people at higher risk, including infants younger than 12 months, pregnant people without immunity and people with weakened immune systems.
For unvaccinated people whose exposure occurred between seven and 21 days earlier, officials recommend staying home and limiting contact with others for 21 days following exposure.
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Anyone potentially exposed should also watch for fever or an unexplained rash during the seven-to-21-day period after exposure.
Measles Can Spread Extremely Easily
Measles is highly contagious and can remain suspended in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area, according to California health officials.
About 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed are expected to contract measles, making exposure in crowded transportation settings particularly concerning.
A person with measles can spread the virus beginning approximately four days before a rash develops and for about four days afterward.
Anyone who develops symptoms after a possible exposure should contact a health care provider before visiting a doctor’s office, emergency room or other medical facility. Calling ahead allows medical staff to take precautions and reduce the possibility of exposing other patients and workers.
California Has Reported 59 Measles Cases
The latest state data showed that California had recorded 59 confirmed measles cases across 13 counties as of Sept. 14.
Four patients had been hospitalized, while no deaths had been reported at that point.
People who are unsure whether they have received the recommended measles vaccinations are encouraged to contact a health care provider or check their California Digital Vaccine Record.
Were you or someone you know traveling through these California Amtrak stations during the listed dates? Share your experience or questions in the comments below.