The Department of Public Health confirms the first measles case of 2026 in Los Angeles County
The Department of Public Health has confirmed the first case of measles this year in Los Angeles County.
Authorities say the person who was diagnosed with measles recently traveled outside the country. The department is now working to identify people who may have had contact with the person and check their vaccination status.
“Measles is a dangerous respiratory disease that spreads easily in the air and on surfaces, especially in people who have not been protected against it,” said Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis in a statement.
“A person can spread the illness to others before they develop symptoms, and it can take seven to twenty-one days for symptoms to appear after exposure. Measles can lead to serious illness in young children and vulnerable adults. As LA County residents begin to travel this summer and measles cases increase among those who have recently moved, we remind everyone that the best way to protect yourself and your family is with a highly effective measles vaccine.”
The Department of Health and Human Services announced major changes to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccination program this month, reducing the number of diseases it recommends regular vaccination from 17 to 11. The CDC still recommends that all children be vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Hemophical pluz human papillomavirus (HPV) and varicella, also known as chickenpox.
According to the CDC, there have been 4,485 confirmed cases of measles in the US from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2024. In 2025, there have been 2,242 cases, the highest annual number since the early 1990s.
On Friday, the Orange County Health Care Agency announced Friday that a toddler has measles, the second confirmed case in the county.
LA County Public Health urges everyone to make sure they are completely protected against measles. For children 12 months and older, this means having two doses of the MMR vaccine. Infants older than 6 months who are traveling internationally or to areas with measles may receive the dose early.
Public Health recommends that everyone take the following steps:
• Check your vaccination status.
Check your vaccination and medical records to see if everyone in your family is protected against measles. You are considered protected if you have had measles before or received the recommended MMR vaccine.
• Notify your healthcare provider if you are at high risk.
If you think you have been exposed, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible for advice and next steps. This is especially important if you are pregnant, the exposed person is an infant, has a weakened immune system, or is unvaccinated.
• Be aware of the symptoms and act quickly if they appear.
If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes or rash, stay home and avoid school, work and gatherings. Call your healthcare provider immediately. Do not visit a clinic or hospital without calling first. Tell them that you may have had measles and describe your symptoms.
