AUBURN, Calif. — Placer County Public Health is notifying the community of potential measles exposures linked to a case recently reported by Sacramento County, while stressing that additional cases in the current outbreak are likely and encouraging residents who are not vaccinated against measles to take additional steps.
The most recent potential exposure occurred at Sweetpeas restaurant in Auburn on Sunday, March 29. Anyone who visited the restaurant that day between 9-11 a.m. and who is not vaccinated against measles is encouraged to quarantine and text Placer County Public Health at 916-587-1744 for additional guidance.
The county is also working with Sacramento and local healthcare partners to directly notify others who may have been exposed at local emergency department waiting rooms, and at a home birthday party in Auburn. The number of Placer County measles cases associated with the current outbreak remains at eight, but officials say that there are likely additional cases that have not been detected.
“With cases now impacting multiple households and exposures across county lines, we do believe there is at least some level of community spread occurring,” said Placer health officer Dr. Rob Oldham. “Placer residents who are not vaccinated against measles should be aware of this heightened risk and consider adjusting their plans, especially when it comes to group activities.”
Nearly all of the measles cases in the outbreak thus far have some association with homeschool enrichment programs in the region, either directly or through family members. Public Health has worked with these programs to complete necessary notifications. While these programs have adhered to public health guidance and limited in-person activities when requested to prevent further spread, recent cases signal ongoing risk.
“Attendees of these types of programs in the area, if not vaccinated, should reconsider non-essential group activities and continue to monitor the outbreak,” Oldham said. “We may not have the same wall of immunity in these environments that we do in our public and private schools.”
Measles spreads through the air and can remain in an indoor space for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. Individuals who are unvaccinated are at particularly high risk for infection. As many as 1 in 20 individuals who get measles will develop pneumonia, and nearly 3 in 1,000 infected will die.
Placer residents are encouraged to confirm their vaccination status. Children and adults born after 1957 should ensure they are up to date on the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses provide 97% protection. Consult with healthcare providers for questions.
Call ahead before visiting a medical facility if you believe you may have measles. This helps prevent further spread in waiting areas or clinics.
More information about measles and vaccination recommendations is available through the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.