Bay Area health officials warn of measles exposure at Panda Express

March 1, 2026 - 22:20

Public health officials in the Bay Area have issued a warning following a potential public exposure to measles. The alert concerns a person with a confirmed case of measles who visited a Panda Express restaurant in San Mateo on two consecutive days.

The individual was at the location on El Camino Real on March 27th between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., and again on March 28th between 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Anyone who was at the restaurant during these time frames may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.

Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and a distinctive red rash that spreads from the face downward. The disease can lead to serious complications, especially in young children and infants.

Health authorities are urging individuals who were potentially exposed to review their vaccination status. Those who have not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are at highest risk. Anyone who develops symptoms is advised to contact their healthcare provider by phone immediately before visiting a clinic or hospital to prevent further spread. Vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles.