California: Possible Measles Exposure For Library Patrons at Two Branches of Berkeley Public Library

From the Bay Area News Group (via Contra Costa Times):

Public health officials say a person who may be infected with measles visited the West and Central branches of the city library Feb. 27 and 28, potentially exposing hundreds of patrons to the airborne virus.
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Patrons who were at the libraries on the dates should monitor themselves for symptoms until March 21. The virus can linger in the air for two hours after a sick person has left an enclosed space. Symptoms typically develop between seven and 21 days after exposure to the virus.

From the Official Announcement from the City of Berkeley, CA:

On the days in question, the person had not yet developed the tell-tale rash -a circumstance that contributes to the rapid spread of the highly infectious, airborne virus- so did not know that the illness might be measles-. Symptoms can develop between 7 and 21 days after exposure to the virus.
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Berkeley Public Health is working with the libraries to notify and assess individuals who may have been exposed at the facilities. The individual who may have measles is a Contra Costa resident. Berkeley Public Health will work closely with the Contra Costa Public Health Department to follow up, as needed, should measles infection be confirmed.

Read the Complete Announcement

Filed under: Libraries, News, Patrons and Users, Public Libraries