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County health officials are urging residents to protect themselves against measles as cases surge across the United States. While no cases have been reported locally in 2026, five recent cases in Los Angeles and Orange counties have raised concerns. Exposures in those counties have been reported at Disneyland, airports, restaurants, shops and other public spaces.  

Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases. It spreads through tiny airborne droplets that can linger in the air for hours and survive on surfaces. The virus is making a strong comeback with a record 2,267 cases and 49 outbreaks reported nationwide last year—nearly all among those who are unvaccinated. January 2026 marked the highest number of cases for that month in 26 years.  

An ongoing, large outbreak in South Carolina has reached 876 cases, surpassing the 2025 Texas outbreak that reached 762 cases and claimed the lives of two children before it ended in August 2025.  

Infants under 12 months are most at risk because they have not yet received the measles vaccine. Children over 12 months who are not immunized and people with weakened immune systems are also highly vulnerable.   

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, fatigue and a red rash that typically appears one to four days after symptoms begin, starting at the head and then spreading to the lower body. There is no cure or treatment.   

“If you have traveled internationally or nationally near an outbreak area and are experiencing fever and a rash, call your healthcare provider immediately,” said Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. “Measles can be a very dangerous illness, especially for babies and young children.”  

Even when not deadly, measles can lead to severe health complications. About one case in every 1,000 unvaccinated children is fatal.  

“The best way to prevent measles and protect your child from getting sick is with a vaccine,” said Dr. Thihalolipavan. “Getting the measles vaccine is much safer than getting measles.  Two doses of the vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles, and more than 95% of a community should be vaccinated to prevent a measles outbreak.”   

For more information about measles, other vaccine-preventable diseases and the shots that protect against them, visit the County’s Immunization Branch online or by phone at (866) 358-2966.