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County health officials are urging residents to protect themselves against measles as cases surge across the United States.\u00a0While no cases have been reported locally in 2026,\u00a0five\u00a0recent\u00a0cases in Los Angeles and Orange\u00a0counties\u00a0have\u00a0raised concerns.\u00a0Exposures\u202fin those counties\u00a0have been reported at Disneyland, airports, restaurants,\u00a0shops\u00a0and other public spaces.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u2014nearly all among those who are unvaccinated. January 2026 marked the highest number of cases for that month in 26 years. \u00a0<\/p>\n
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. \u00a0<\/p>\n
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.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n
Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes,\u00a0fatigue\u00a0and a\u00a0red rash\u00a0that\u00a0typically appears\u00a0one to four days after symptoms begin, starting at the head and then spreading to the lower body. There is no cure or treatment.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you have traveled internationally or nationally near an outbreak area and are experiencing fever and a rash, call your healthcare provider immediately,\u201d said\u202fDr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer.\u202f\u201cMeasles\u00a0can be a very dangerous illness, especially for\u00a0babies and\u00a0young children.\u201d\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n