California health officials are urging residents to check their vaccination status after a series of measles exposures in Southern California — including Disneyland, Los Angeles International Airport and multiple businesses — and the first confirmed case in Shasta County since 2019.
The warnings come as the U.S. faces its highest measles caseload in more than 30 years, fueled by declining vaccination rates and increased international travel.
Here’s what to know about the California outbreaks and measles overall.
Southern California: Three confirmed cases in one week
In the span of a week, Los Angeles County confirmed three measles cases — all involving individuals who had recently traveled internationally.
First case – Jan. 30
A local resident returned from overseas and later tested positive. No public exposure sites were identified beyond medical settings.
Second case – LAX, Disneyland, Woodland Hills
The second case involved an international traveler who:
Officials say people who were at these locations during identified windows may be at risk of developing measles 7–21 days after exposure.
Third case – Sherman Oaks exposure
The latest case involved a traveler who visited Mardi Gras Tuesday restaurant in Sherman Oaks on Jan. 24 between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Los Angeles County health officials list the final symptom-monitoring dates as:
Dunkin’ Donuts exposure: Feb. 20
Sherman Oaks exposure: Feb. 14
LAX exposure: Feb. 16
Northern California: First Shasta County case since 2019
Shasta County confirmed its first measles case in nearly seven years — a youth who traveled recently to the Bay Area and Southern California. The patient is isolating, and health officials have traced exposures at four locations, including Osaka Sushi and a Redding Costco.
Shasta County, which has lower-than-average vaccination rates, last saw measles activity in 2014 and 2019.
What are measles symptoms?
Measles is highly transmissible, and typically starts with a cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes and a high fever, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These may be followed by small white spots in the mouth within two or three days, and a rash that usually begins on the face before spreading downward.
The first symptoms typically present seven to 14 days after exposure. Measles can result in serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death.
“The best way to protect against measles is to get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine,” the health agency said. “Children may get the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine instead, which protects against chickenpox too.”
Protection from the vaccine typically lasts a lifetime.
How does measles spread?
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses on Earth.
Health officials emphasize calling your doctor before going to a clinic if you suspect an infection, to avoid exposing others.
Is there a vaccine for measles?
Yes. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is standard and widely available. Key points:
Adults vaccinated before the 1990s may have received only one dose; public health officials recommend checking with a provider about a possible second shot.
People born before 1957 are generally considered immune.
How bad is measles outbreak nationwide?
After decades of progress, measles has resurged dramatically in the U.S.:
The Pan American Health Organization is reviewing whether the U.S. still qualifies as a nation where measles has been “eliminated,” a designation it received in 2000.
Does vitamin A prevent measles?
No.
Vitamin A does not prevent measles and does not replace vaccination, according to Shasta County Public Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Doctors may use vitamin A as part of treatment in areas with widespread nutritional deficiencies, but too much can be dangerous. It should only be given under medical supervision.
Can you get measles if you’ve been vaccinated?
It’s rare, but possible — usually resulting in a much milder illness.
Breakthrough cases tend to be less contagious, and vaccinated individuals are far less likely to experience serious complications. Most U.S. measles cases occur in:
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: California measles cases span NorCal and SoCal after exposures
Reporting by Eve Chen, Nathan Diller, Paris Barraza and Jessica Skropanic, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
