As thousands of visitors continue arriving in the Bay Area for the FIFA World Cup events, Santa Clara County health officials are warning of a potential measles exposure.
The alert comes after a Santa Clara County resident, who later tested positive for the contagious measles virus, visited several public places while infectious, the County of Santa Clara said in a statement on June 13.
The adult individual traveled through San Francisco International Airport and visited two businesses in San Jose on June 8, according to health officials.
Officials said the Santa Clara resident is believed to have been exposed to measles during international travel.
The individual traveled through San Francisco International Airport’s International Terminal (including passport control, customs, and the international baggage claim area) between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. on June 8.
Later that day, between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., the individual visited Trader Joe’s at 635 Coleman Ave. and International Halal Market at 960 E. Santa Clara St. in San Jose.
People who visited these sites at the specified dates and times may be at risk of developing measles seven to 10 days after they were exposed to the individual, according to the health department.
Health officials are urging people to review their immunization records to determine whether they are protected against measles.
People who are not immunocompromised, pregnant, or unimmunized are advised to contact their healthcare provider immediately if they think they were exposed to the virus.
Individuals who may have been exposed to the virus should monitor their health for symptoms for 21 days following the date of exposure.
The timing of the exposure has increased concern as the Bay Area is hosting large-scale international events and is experiencing an influx of visitors due to the sporting event.
Health officials stressed, however, that the region’s strong vaccination rates provide an important layer of protection against wider spread.
Health officials said they are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and California Department of Public Health to identify close contacts who were exposed to measles during the infectious period.
“Exposures like this one remind us of the importance of vaccination,” said Sarah Rudman, Health Officer and Public Health Director for the County of Santa Clara.
Two shots of MMR or MMRV vaccine are considered to be the best protection against measles and can arrest a measles outbreak, Dr. Rudman added.
What is Measles?
Measles, also known as rubeola, used to be a common childhood illness caused by a virus that spreads easily through the air.
The highly contagious virus can cause serious health complications, particularly among young children, and can cause rash, high fever, red eyes, runny nose, and cough, according to the CDC. Serious complications include pneumonia, encephalitis, and in some cases, death.
Although measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000, cases have been increasing in the country since early 2025.
As of June 11, 2026, there were 2,073 confirmed cases of measles in the country, according to the CDC.
Every year, measles cases are reported in the country because unvaccinated travelers are exposed to the virus while traveling in other countries and then traveling back to the U.S. These travelers usually tend to be Americans and often international travelers.
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