Measles cases are on the rise across California, according to the state’s Department of Public Health, which is urging residents to check their immunization status and get vaccinated against the disease.
On Feb. 9, the department announced that 17 measles cases had been reported throughout California, with the state’s first outbreak since 2020 occurring in Shasta County. As of Tuesday, Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency officials had reported eight cases and identified six locations where people may have been exposed to the disease.
“All of these individuals were either unvaccinated or had an unknown history of vaccination,” the California Department of Public Health said in its announcement.
As of Jan. 22, 2026, 416 confirmed measles cases have been reported in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This news comes a week after the department released a health alert ot all healthcare professionals on Feb. 4, recommending they consider measles as a possible diagnosis if a person presents with a fever, rash, and other symptoms consistent with measles.
“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, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer in the press release. “CDPH continues to coordinate with, and support, local health departments in their responses to stop measles from spreading further in our communities.”
The health department notes that California reported more than 95% measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) coverage among kindergarteners for the 2024-2025 school year – the level of immunity needed to reduce the risk of community spread.
Where have cases been reported?
As of Feb. 10, 2026, local public health departments have identified measles cases in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and Shasta counties.
Nine cases were linked to exposure in Southern California, possibly at Disneyland in Anaheim and at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) as people were traveling on Jan. 22 and 28, California Department of Public Health officials said on Feb. 3.
In Northern California, cases have increased recently after local officials announced eight cases.
Health agencies identified several locations as places the patient went while being infectious:
A measles alert sign hangs outside the entrance to the Cohen Children’s Medical Center, where the state health department confirmed that a baby tested positive and that there is a possibility of exposure to others at the facility, in New Hyde Park, New York, U.S., March 14, 2025.
Highland Neighborhood Park, 555 Mill Valley Parkway in Redding, during a “capture the flag” game from noon to 4 p.m. on Jan. 23
Ninja Coalition, 900 Dana Drive, Redding, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. on Jan. 23
Osaka Sushi, 1340 Churn Creek Road in Redding, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Jan. 23
The former CrossPointe Church, 2960 Hartnell Ave. in Redding during a gym basketball game from 1:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 24
Costco in Redding from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Jan. 24
Churn Creek HealthCare clinic from 1:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 28
As California has been able to keep its measles outbreak within double-digits, the disease is breaking out across the nation, as South Carolina is experiencing one of the largest outbreaks in over 30 years, with nearly 920 associated cases reported.
“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,” Pan said in the press release. “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.”
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles typically begins with a fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, usually about 7 to 14 days after exposure but can occur up to 21 days after contact with an infected person, according to the California Department of Public Health. The fever can reach 105 degrees.
Tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin, according to the California Department of Public Health. A rash can form on the hairline and face two to four days after symptoms first appear.
The rash then spreads down the back and torso and extends into the arms, hands, legs, and feet, according to the California Department of Public Health. After about five days, the rash fades in the same order in which it appeared.
A one-dose bottle for measles, rubella virus, M-M-R II, from The South Carolina Department of Public Health Mobile Health Unit, with two administrators and two nurses help people get different vaccinations, including for measles.
“The MMR vaccine provides the best protection against disease and serious illness,” according to the California Department of Public Health.
If an individual believes they or a family member may have been exposed to the disease, they should contact their family’s health care provider or the local health department.
Noe Padilla is a Northern California Reporter for USA Today. Contact him at npadilla@usatodayco.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social. Sign up for the TODAY Californian newsletter or follow us on Facebook at TODAY Californian.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Measles cases grow in California, health department urges vaccinations
