San Leandro, California – The Alameda County Public Health Department in California has issued a warning regarding a potential measles exposure incident at a local restaurant. The exposure occurred at Sons of Liberty Alehouse on Saturday, March 9, between 4:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Individuals who visited during this time frame may have been at risk of contracting the measles virus.
The health department has provided specific guidance for individuals who were present at the restaurant and fall into certain categories, including infants aged 11 months or younger, those unvaccinated against measles, individuals unsure of their vaccination status, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, healthcare workers, and childcare providers. Anyone meeting these criteria is advised to contact their healthcare provider or reach out to the Alameda County Public Health Department at (510) 267-3250.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread through direct contact or airborne transmission when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The health department warns that nine out of ten unvaccinated individuals who come into contact with an infected person are likely to contract the virus.
Symptoms of measles typically appear within 7-21 days after exposure, which in this case falls between March 16 and March 30. Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash lasting up to a week. Complications from measles can include diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, and in rare cases, encephalitis. Among children, 1-2 out of every 1,000 cases of measles result in death due to lung or brain complications.
Individuals experiencing symptoms of measles are advised to contact their healthcare provider before seeking medical attention and to inform them of their symptoms. For more information on measles, concerned individuals can visit the Alameda County Public Health Department’s website.
The owner of Sons of Liberty Alehouse, located at 150 West Juana Ave. in San Leandro, stated that the health department informed him of the potential exposure incident on Tuesday. However, they were unable to provide evidence linking the infected individual to being a customer at the establishment. The restaurant owner encourages patrons who have concerns to reach out to the health department for further guidance and assistance.