Placer County Public Health announced on April 7 that community members may have been exposed to measles following a case linked to Sacramento County, with officials warning that more cases in the current outbreak are likely. Residents who are not vaccinated against measles are encouraged to take additional steps to protect themselves.
The potential exposure occurred at Sweetpeas restaurant in Auburn on Sunday, March 29, between 9 and 11 a.m. Unvaccinated individuals who visited during this time are advised to quarantine and contact Placer County Public Health for guidance. The county is also working with Sacramento and local healthcare partners to notify people who may have been exposed at emergency department waiting rooms or a home birthday party in Auburn.
Currently, there are eight confirmed measles cases associated with the outbreak in Placer County. However, officials say additional undetected cases are likely. “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 Dr. Rob Oldham, Placer health officer. “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 reported cases have connections with homeschool enrichment programs in the region either directly or through family members. Public Health has worked with these programs for notifications and limited in-person activities when requested but notes ongoing risk remains due to recent cases.
“Attendees of these types of programs in the area, if not vaccinated, should reconsider non-essential group activities and continue to the outbreak,” Oldham said. “We may not have the same wall of immunity in these environments that we do in our and private schools.” Measles can remain airborne indoors for up to two hours after an infected person leaves; unvaccinated individuals face higher risks including pneumonia or death.
Residents born after 1957 should confirm they are up-to-date on their MMR vaccine as two doses provide high protection levels. Those suspecting infection should call ahead before visiting medical facilities.
