Health Officials Warn California Residents of Measles Risk via Public Transit

After a student from the University of California, Berkeley was infected with measles when returning from a trip to Asia, health officials have since warned public transit commuters in San Francisco about the alerted measles risk.

The student was allegedly infected between February 4 and February 7^th, during which he took the BART trains where the virus could have potentially spread, according to various reports.

This contagious respiratory illness, also known as rubeola, typically manifests itself around seven to 10 days following the initial infection. Symptoms involved with the problem range from runny nose and rash to fever and cough. 

"It is very important for them to recognize the symptoms of fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and perhaps a rash," said Erika Janssen, a communicable disease officer for Contra Costa County, via USA Today.

Initial measles symptoms may be easy to brush off. The infected Contra Costa County resident said he believed he was just suffering from a cold last week until a rash tested later by medical officials confirmed his measles case.

"Measles is a serious, highly contagious disease," Health officer of for the city of Berkeley, Dr. Janet Berreman, said, via the San Francisco Gate. "It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Fortunately, the measles vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection."

At this time, officials continue to stress the importance of keeping any symptoms that might be suspicious in check and visiting a doctor immediately.