State urges vaccination as measles cases rise
Seventeen measles cases confirmed statewide as of Feb. 9
– The California Department of Public Health is urging Californians to check their immunization status and get vaccinated against measles following multiple recent cases reported across several counties, including an outbreak of eight related cases in Shasta County.
Local health departments in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Shasta counties have reported measles cases. Public health officials are also investigating additional suspected cases. The Shasta County outbreak is the state’s first measles outbreak since 2020. Health officials said all individuals involved were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination history.
Last week, the department issued a health alert advising health care providers to watch for measles in patients presenting with fever, rash, and other symptoms consistent with the disease.
“As a pediatrician and parent, I encourage families to make sure everyone gets up to date on their MMR vaccine, if they haven’t already,” said Dr. Erica Pan, the department’s director and state public health officer. “The department continues to coordinate with, and support, local health departments in their responses to stop measles from spreading further in our communities. The United States is experiencing the highest numbers of measles cases, outbreaks, hospitalizations, and deaths in more than 30 years, driven by populations with low vaccination rates. We all need to work together to share the medical evidence, benefits, and safety of vaccines to provide families the information they need to protect children and our communities.”
Two recent measles cases involved individuals who visited Disneyland on Jan. 22 and Jan. 28 while infectious. Local health officials are working with Disneyland Resort to notify potentially exposed employees. Members of the public who visited Disneyland on either date are advised to contact their health care provider if they develop measles symptoms.
As of Feb. 9, a total of 17 measles cases have been reported statewide. Nationally, one of the largest outbreaks in more than 30 years is occurring in South Carolina, with 920 associated cases reported.
California reported more than 95% measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination coverage among kindergarten students during the 2024–25 school year, a level considered sufficient to reduce the risk of community spread. To maintain that protection, the department and the West Coast Health Alliance recently endorsed the 2026 American Academy of Pediatrics Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule.
Health officials said the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine provides the best protection against measles and serious illness. Families are encouraged to ensure vaccinations are up to date, particularly before international travel or travel to areas of the United States experiencing outbreaks. Officials also recommend being fully vaccinated before attending large gatherings such as theme parks, airports, or major events.
Before international travel, individuals 12 months and older should receive two doses of the vaccine, while infants ages 6 to 11 months are recommended to receive one dose. Families traveling to U.S. regions with ongoing outbreaks are advised to consult a health care provider about appropriate immunization guidance.
Vaccination records can be checked through the California Digital Vaccine Record, and appointments can be scheduled through MyTurn.ca.gov, local pharmacies, or health care providers. Vaccines are covered for most people through health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads easily among unvaccinated individuals. Health officials estimate that about 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to measles will contract the disease. Symptoms include fever followed by cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and rash. Infected individuals can spread measles from about four days before the rash appears to four days after.
While measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, cases have increased in recent years, including major outbreaks in Texas and South Carolina in 2025. California health officials said high immunization rates reduce the likelihood of sustained transmission, but outbreaks remain possible in communities with lower vaccination coverage.
