County Health Officials Urge Measles Vaccination As Cases Surge Across Country

SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego County public health officials are urging residents to protect themselves against measles as cases surge across the country.

Although there haven't been any reported cases in 2026 in San Diego County, officials warned new cases could rise with people traveling to and from the region. There have been five recent cases in Los Angeles and Orange counties, and exposures have been reported at Disneyland, airports, restaurants, shops and other public spaces.

"If you have traveled internationally or nationally near an outbreak area and are experiencing fever and a rash, call your healthcare provider immediately," said Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, the county's public health officer. "Measles can be a very dangerous illness, especially for babies and young children."

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in existence. It spreads through droplets in the air when someone with the illness breathes, coughs, sneezes or talks. The virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for hours.

There were a record 2,267 cases and 49 outbreaks reported nationwide last year, with nearly all among those who were unvaccinated. January 2026 marked the highest number of cases for that month in 26 years.

Infants under 12 months are most at risk because they have not had their measles vaccine yet, officials said. Children older than a year old who are not immunized and people with compromised or weakened immune systems are also at high risk.

About 1 out of every 1,000 measles cases in an unvaccinated child results in death, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and fatigue. A red rash usually appears one to four days after symptoms begin, starting at the head and then spreading to the lower body. There is no cure or treatment.

"The best way to prevent measles and protect your child from getting sick is with a vaccine," Thihalolipavan said. "Getting the measles vaccine is much safer than getting measles."