All articles tagged with #exposure
Public health officials confirmed a measles case in an unvaccinated adult in Teton County, prompting exposure alerts for Grand Teton National Park and Jackson from June 17–25. They urge 21-day symptom monitoring and avoidance of crowded places, especially for the unvaccinated, as Wyoming records its second measles case in 2026 and vaccination rates and measles-elimination context are discussed.
A Manorville resident is being treated for possible rabies exposure after being scratched by a raccoon that tested positive for rabies, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.
The Chicago Department of Public Health warned of a possible measles exposure at O’Hare International Airport after an international traveler confirmed to have measles arrived on the morning of June 17; anyone in Terminal 5 between 5:50 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. that day may have been exposed.
Chicago’s public health department says an international traveler who arrived at O’Hare on June 17 may have exposed others to measles at Terminal Five between 5:50 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Measles symptoms typically appear 7–21 days after exposure, and vaccination helps prevent the disease. People who may have been exposed should check their vaccination status and contact a healthcare provider before visiting a clinic if symptoms develop.
A traveler infected with measles on Cathay Pacific flight CX 884 on June 11 may have exposed passengers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel. The LA County Department of Public Health and the CDC are notifying people who sat near the infected traveler (Tom Bradley International Terminal, 10 a.m.–noon; Hilton LAX, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.), and those exposed could develop symptoms 7–21 days later, with July 2 as the last day to monitor. Health officials emphasize MMR vaccination as the best protection; this marks the sixth measles case in L.A. County this year.
A Santa Clara County resident exposed to measles visited San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and two San Jose locations—Trader Joe’s and International Halal Market—on June 8. Health officials urge anyone who was at those sites during the specified times (SFO: 8:30–11 a.m.; Trader Joe’s and Halal Market: 8–10 p.m.) to monitor for symptoms and seek care if exposure is suspected. Measles is highly contagious, but risk is low for those with two-dose vaccination; no new cases have been reported since the June 8 exposure.
A Santa Clara County resident diagnosed with measles traveled through San Francisco International Airport and visited Trader Joe’s (635 Coleman Ave.) and International Halal Market (960 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose) on June 8 while infectious. Public health officials warn of possible exposure at these sites during 8:30–11:00 a.m. at SFO and 8:00–10:00 p.m. at the two San Jose locations, advising anyone who was present to check vaccination status and monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and rash. Officials emphasize the overall public risk is low due to high vaccination rates and are coordinating with the CDC and CDPH.
A fox charged a woman on her Chatham County driveway; the animal was euthanized and tested positive for rabies, prompting a health-department exposure review for those involved. No injuries were reported, but officials urge medical advice if exposed and emphasize vaccinating pets to reduce transmission risk.
Erie County confirms a travel-related measles case—the first since 2018. The infected resident visited several local sites in late May, with exposure windows up to two hours after leaving each location. Health officials urge immunity (birth before 1957, two MMR vaccines, prior infection, or lab-confirmed immunity) and advise exposed individuals without immunity to monitor for symptoms and call ahead before seeking care at a clinic or emergency department.
Northern Kentucky health officials are tracing potential tuberculosis exposures after a confirmed case linked to Lloyd Memorial High School; a hotline (859-363-2120) has been set up, and officials say the ongoing exposure risk is lower now that summer break has started, though contact tracing remains challenging.
A rabid bat was found near a residential California sidewalk, prompting public health officials to warn residents about potential exposure to rabies. People should avoid handling bats, report sightings to animal control or local health authorities, and seek prompt medical advice if they were bitten or had direct contact, since rabies is fatal if not treated.
Lancaster County health officials say a Kohl's employee with measles may have exposed shoppers at the East Lampeter Township store on May 21, 23, 25 and 26. Unvaccinated individuals are urged to contact their healthcare provider if symptomatic and to get vaccinated, as contact tracing continues amid a broader county measles surge; the infected person is no longer contagious and two Ephrata Mennonite School students have recovered.
Chris Hadfield argues fear isn’t danger but a cue to uncover the real risk, then train by exposing yourself to the feared situation. Using the spider example, most fears are harmless and the key is combining accurate risk assessment with repeated exposure—an approach NASA uses for spacewalks. Applied to daily life, this means pinpoint the feared outcome, map a realistic worst case and response, then practice walking through it until the fear loses sway; however, chronic anxiety or phobias may require professional help.
Australian researchers find that the first boil in new polypropylene kettles can release up to 12 million nanoparticles per milliliter, equating to about 3 billion microplastics per cup. Hard tap water and repeated boiling reduce release (limescale coating; drops after about 10-50 boils), but particles persist even after many cycles. The study calls for clearer warnings on kettle labels and more testing across kettle types to assess health risks, which remain uncertain.
Health officials warn hantavirus can hide in common spaces such as garages, sheds, cabins, basements, attics, barns, crawl spaces, and even unused cars, where rodent droppings or nests may be present; inhaling contaminated dust or touching contaminated surfaces can cause infection, though human-to-human transmission is extremely rare and most U.S. cases occur in the West. To reduce risk, dampen and disinfect droppings before cleaning (CDC advises against vacuuming), wear gloves and a mask, dispose of waste properly, and wash hands thoroughly after handling potentially infested areas. The current cruise-ship outbreak involving the Andes strain is notable for human-to-human transmission, but overall hantavirus remains a rare threat in the U.S.