A resident of Santa Clara County has reportedly exposed others to measles while dining at a restaurant in Burlingame earlier this week. Health authorities issued a public notice on Friday regarding the confirmed case involving an adult who dined at a Panda Express restaurant on Burlingame Avenue, just north of El Camino Real, on March 12 and March 13. The individual had recently returned from international travel and was vaccinated; they are currently isolating at home.
Officials from San Mateo County Health and Santa Clara County Public Health have alerted the public that individuals who were present at the restaurant between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on those days may be at risk of contracting measles, particularly if they are unvaccinated, pregnant, or immunocompromised. Those who develop symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash, are advised to stay home and contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Individuals who remain symptom-free for more than 21 days following exposure are no longer at risk for developing measles, according to health officials. This case marks the first confirmed instance of measles in Santa Clara County since May 2025 and the 22nd case reported in California in 2026. Prior to this, the last confirmed case in Santa Clara County occurred in 2019.
In San Mateo County, two confirmed cases of measles have emerged in 2026, alongside one case reported in 2025. Last year, the United States experienced over 2,200 measles cases, the highest count in three decades, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Measles is known as one of the most contagious infectious diseases, with approximately one in five unvaccinated individuals requiring hospitalization. Severe complications can include lung and brain infections, leading to cognitive impairments, deafness, or even death.
Health experts advocate for the measles vaccine, which is typically administered as part of the combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The increase in measles cases has been attributed to declining vaccination rates. Dr. Sarah Rudman, the Public Health Director for Santa Clara County, emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, “Two shots of MMR or MMRV vaccine are the best protection against measles and can stop a measles outbreak in its tracks.”
Earlier this year, California and several other Western states announced their intention to reject new CDC guidelines concerning childhood vaccinations. Nonetheless, both San Mateo and Santa Clara counties continue to adhere to existing state vaccination guidelines, and these recommended vaccines remain covered by health insurance in California.
As cases of measles rise, public health officials stress the importance of vaccination to maintain community immunity and protect vulnerable populations.
