County confirms first measles case of 2026
Public health lists possible exposure sites and times
– The San Luis Obispo County Department of Public Health on Oct. 7 confirmed the county’s first measles case of 2026 through laboratory testing.
The person is recovering at home and receiving medical care, and no additional cases have been identified, according to the department. Public health is working with the person and their health care providers to identify and notify people who may have been exposed.
People may have been exposed at Family Industrial Medical Center in San Luis Obispo from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 5 and from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Oct. 6, and in the emergency room at Arroyo Grande Community Hospital from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 7.
Symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure, according to the department. Anyone who has no symptoms more than 21 days after an exposure is no longer considered at risk from that exposure. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads. Anyone who develops a fever, a rash, and another common symptom should call their health care provider before going to a clinic or emergency room and mention the possible exposure.
People who are unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status are at higher risk. Anyone older than 6 months with one or no recorded doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine can get vaccinated to lower their risk. Two doses provide about 97% protection against measles. Residents can check their vaccination records at myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov.
“Measles is extremely contagious, but it is also preventable with vaccination,” said Interim County Health Officer Dr. Rick Rosen.
Questions can be directed to the Department of Public Health at (805) 781-5500.
The department urged residents to protect against measles in April 2025 as cases rose nationally.
