Possible measles exposure at Berkeley Bowl, officials say

A Berkeley resident may have exposed shoppers at Berkeley Bowl to measles, officials announced Friday. A Berkeley resident may have exposed shoppers at Berkeley Bowl to measles, officials announced Friday. Photo: Alix Martichoux Photo: Alix Martichoux Image 1 of / 14 Caption Close Possible measles exposure at Berkeley Bowl, officials say 1 / 14 Back to Gallery

A Berkeley resident may have exposed shoppers at Berkeley Bowl to measles, officials announced Friday.

The infected individual visited Berkeley Bowl, at 2020 Oregon St., on May 7 between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., Berkeley Public Health said in a press release.

The department urged those who were at Berkeley Bowl between those hours and who are experiencing measles symptoms, including runny nose, red eyes, cough and fever, to seek immediate medical care. Symptoms typically emerge between seven and 21 days after exposure.

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People with severely weakened immune systems and those who are unvaccinated, especially children and those born in or before 1957, are especially susceptible to measles, officials said.

"Given how measles spreads through the air from someone unaware of infection, the need for vaccination is especially important," said Dr. Lisa Hernandez, the city of Berkeley's Health Officer. "The vaccine is a simple and very powerful protection."

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Measles cases in the U.S. are at their highest levels in 25 years. Forty-five cases have been reported in California since January 1, including 18 cases in Northern California.

Read Michelle Robertson's latest stories and send her news tips at michelle.robertson@sfgate.com.

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