Urgent Alert! Measles Patient Traveled Across California by Train, Stopped at Los Angeles Union Station and Passed Through 6 Counties
【ANN NEWS, LOS ANGELES】 California public health officials have issued a measles exposure warning. A traveler confirmed to have measles recently traveled across California on Amtrak trains and connecting buses, passing through at least 6 counties, including Los Angeles, Kern, San Joaquin, Butte, Sacramento and Alameda, and stopped at Los Angeles Union Station.
Health officials warned that people who were on the same trains or buses or at the relevant stations during the specified times may have been exposed.
Arrived at Los Angeles Union Station on the Morning of September 12
According to information released by the California Department of Public Health on September 18, the traveler took Amtrak from Chicago to Los Angeles and arrived at Los Angeles Union Station at approximately 8:12 a.m. on September 12.
The traveler then remained in Los Angeles for several hours before continuing to Bakersfield at approximately 10:55 a.m. that day.
The main itinerary released by health officials is as follows:
September 10 to 12
Amtrak Train 3: Chicago → Los Angeles
Arrived at Los Angeles Union Station at approximately 8:12 a.m. on September 12
September 12
Route 5717: Los Angeles → Bakersfield
Departed at approximately 10:55 a.m., arrived at 1:45 p.m.
Route 717: Bakersfield → Stockton
Departed at approximately 2:02 p.m., arrived at 6:29 p.m.
Route 3717: Stockton → Oroville
Departed at approximately 6:35 p.m., arrived at 9:30 p.m.
September 13
Route 3718: Oroville → Sacramento
Departed at approximately 4:00 p.m., arrived at 6:05 p.m.
Route 749: Sacramento → Emeryville
Departed at approximately 6:53 p.m., arrived at 8:36 p.m.
September 14
Amtrak Train 6: Emeryville → Denver
Departed at approximately 8:25 a.m.
CDPH specifically noted that the times above are based on train and bus schedules and that actual arrival and departure times may have varied.
Passengers on the Same Trains and People at the Same Stations Should Be Alert
Health officials said people who traveled on the trains or connecting buses listed above, as well as those who were at the relevant stations on the specified dates, may have been exposed to the measles virus.
Measles is highly contagious and can spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can even remain in the air for up to approximately two hours after an infected person has left a space.
The risk of infection is particularly high for people who have not been vaccinated.
Watch Carefully for These Symptoms
Health officials advised people who may have been exposed to monitor their health for 7 to 21 days after exposure, including for:
Fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and an unexplained red rash.
Anyone who suspects they may have measles should not go directly to a clinic or hospital waiting room. They should first call the healthcare facility and explain the situation to avoid spreading the virus to others while waiting for care.
People who have not received the full MMR vaccination series, or who are unsure of their immunity status, should also consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
California Has Reported 59 Cases This Year
According to CDPH data as of September 14, California has reported 59 measles cases in 2026, involving 13 counties.
State health officials said the vast majority of cases have occurred among people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.
CDPH data show that two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine are approximately 97% effective against measles.
Health officials urged the public, particularly travelers who recently took the relevant Amtrak routes or visited the stations listed above, to check their vaccination records and closely monitor themselves for related symptoms.
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