(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) received confirmation of a measles case in an infant who had history of international travel. The HCA is notifying individuals who were exposed to the person in health care and other settings.
“Measles is highly contagious. Anyone planning domestic or international travel—or hosting visitors—should be fully vaccinated at least two weeks beforehand. Infants less than a year old who are traveling internationally should receive one dose of MMR vaccine before departure. Adults and others who are not immune remain at risk, especially as outbreaks continue across the country and worldwide,” said Dr. Anissa Davis, Deputy County Health Officer. “Vaccination is the best protection.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have already been 1,792 confirmed measles cases in the United States in 2026. By comparison, 2025 saw 2,267 cases, the highest annual total in more than 30 years. This is the third case of measles in Orange County in 2026.
Common symptoms include fever, cough, red watery eyes, and a rash that typically begins on the head before spreading to the rest of the body. Measles is the most contagious disease known, and it spreads very easily through the air and by direct contact with an infected person. People are contagious from approximately four days before the rash begins through four days after the rash appears.
Anyone who suspects they may have measles should call their medical provider before arriving at the medical office to avoid exposing others. Clinicians should immediately report any suspected measles cases to the OC Health Care Agency for guidance and testing coordination.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles. About measles immunization:
- Immunizing household members, including children, adolescents, and adults, is the best way to protect infants who are too young to receive the MMR vaccine.
- Infants should receive their first MMR vaccine at 12-15 months of age. The second dose of MMR is given between 4 and 6 years of age, before starting school.
- Measles is found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
- Children 6 to 12 months of age who are traveling internationally are recommended to receive a dose of the MMR vaccine prior to travel, to decrease their risk of infection. Before travel to domestic measles outbreak areas talk to a health care provider about following immunization recommendations for international travel.
- Children 12 months and older, as well as adults, should receive two doses, at least 28 days apart, before travel if not already vaccinated.
For more information about measles, visit: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/measles.aspx or www.ochealthinfo.com/measles.
For additional resources: health corner article: https://ochealthinfo.com/health-corner/together-we-can-prevent-measles-orange-county
Measles Awareness Infographic English, Spanish
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