Public Health Alert: Measles Exposure Confirmed in Burlingame

A ripple of concern is making its way through Burlingame, California, following a significant public health announcement from San Mateo County. It seems someone diagnosed with measles, a highly contagious and potentially serious illness, dined at a local eatery not once, but twice, creating a window for potential exposure for unsuspecting patrons.

The specific location in question is the Panda Express situated at 1100 Broadway in Burlingame. According to health officials, the individual, already confirmed to have measles, was present there on two separate occasions. The first visit was on Friday, February 21, 2026, between 7:30 PM and 10:00 PM. The second instance occurred the very next day, Saturday, February 22, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Just imagine, you're enjoying your orange chicken, completely unaware of a serious health risk lingering nearby.

Now, this isn't a situation designed to cause widespread panic, but it absolutely calls for vigilance. San Mateo County Health has swiftly issued a public warning, urging anyone who was at that particular Panda Express during those precise times to be aware. Measles, you see, isn't just a simple childhood rash; it's an airborne virus that spreads incredibly easily, often lingering in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a space. It really drives home the point of how tricky these viruses can be to contain.

So, what should you be looking out for if you think you might have been exposed? The incubation period for measles can be anywhere from seven to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms typically kick off with a fever, often quite high, followed by a cough, a runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Then, a few days later, that tell-tale measles rash appears, usually starting on the face and spreading downwards to the rest of the body. It’s definitely not something to ignore, especially given its potential complications.

Public health experts are stressing that anyone who was at the Burlingame Panda Express during the identified exposure times should immediately contact their healthcare provider. It's crucial not to just show up at an emergency room or clinic without calling ahead. Why? Because doing so could inadvertently expose other vulnerable patients and staff to the virus, creating an even larger public health challenge. Your doctor or clinic can guide you on the safest steps for testing and monitoring, ensuring everyone's safety.

And here's the thing that really stands out: measles is largely preventable thanks to the highly effective MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. If you're unsure about your vaccination status, or if you know you haven't been vaccinated, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of getting those shots. Widespread vaccination is our best defense against outbreaks like this, protecting not just ourselves, but also those who are too young to be vaccinated or have compromised immune systems who cannot receive the vaccine.

The health department will continue to monitor the situation closely, providing updates as necessary. For now, the message is clear: stay informed, be proactive if you were potentially exposed, and consider your vaccination status. It’s all about keeping our community safe and healthy together.