San Mateo County Health officials have issued a public alert following a confirmed case of measles potentially linked to a Panda Express location. The warning comes as health authorities urge residents who visited the restaurant during a specified time frame to monitor for symptoms and seek medical advice if necessary. This development highlights ongoing concerns about measles transmission in the community and reinforces the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks.
San Mateo County Health Alerts Public to Measles Exposure at Panda Express
San Mateo County Health officials have identified a potential measles exposure at the Panda Express located on El Camino Real in Millbrae. Health authorities are urging all visitors who were at the restaurant on March 12 between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to monitor for symptoms and seek medical advice promptly. Measles is highly contagious, and early detection is critical to preventing further spread within the community.
Individuals who experienced the following symptoms within 21 days after the exposure are advised to contact their healthcare provider immediately:
- Fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
- Cough, runny nose, or red eyes
- Rash starting on the face and spreading downward
Those uncertain about their vaccination status are recommended to get immunized without delay. Below is a summary of key information related to the exposure:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Panda Express – 450 El Camino Real, Millbrae |
| Date & Time | March 12, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM |
| Incubation Period | 7 to 21 days post-exposure |
| Health Advisory | Immediate medical evaluation recommended if symptoms appear |
Details of Exposure Incident and Health Department Response
San Mateo County Health officials confirmed that a potential exposure to measles occurred at the Panda Express location on El Camino Real between March 12th and March 14th. The individual diagnosed with measles visited the restaurant while contagious, prompting an immediate public health investigation. Due to the highly contagious nature of the virus, the Health Department urges anyone who visited the site during these dates to be vigilant for symptoms, which may appear 7 to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and the hallmark red rash.
The Health Department has since initiated a series of steps to contain the exposure and prevent further spread. This includes:
- Notifying potentially exposed individuals via contact tracing and public advisories
- Offering free measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations at designated local clinics
- Conducting sanitation and disinfection procedures at the affected Panda Express location
- Providing education and resources on symptom recognition and when to seek medical care
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| Exposure Dates | March 12 – March 14, 2024 |
| Vaccination Clinics | Available until March 25, 2024 |
| Symptoms Monitoring Period | Up to March 28, 2024 |
Health Officials Advise on Symptoms Monitoring and Vaccination Steps
Health officials urge residents who may have visited the Panda Express location within the reported exposure window to remain vigilant for symptoms commonly associated with measles. These symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include:
- High fever (above 101°F)
- Cough, runny nose, and red eyes
- Characteristic rash beginning on the face and spreading downward
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should immediately contact their healthcare provider and avoid public spaces to prevent further spread. Health authorities recommend that individuals verify their immunization status and complete the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination series if necessary. The county is also facilitating walk-in vaccination clinics with the following schedule:
| Day | Location | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | San Mateo Health Department | 9 AM – 4 PM |
| Thursday | Community Wellness Center | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Saturday | East Bay Clinic | 8 AM – 2 PM |
Final Thoughts
San Mateo County Health continues to monitor the situation closely and urges anyone who visited the Panda Express location during the specified dates to check their vaccination status and remain alert for symptoms of measles. Residents experiencing signs of the illness are advised to seek medical attention promptly and notify healthcare providers about the potential exposure. For the latest updates and guidance, officials recommend visiting the San Mateo County Health Department website.
