(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) received confirmation of a measles case in a toddler who had history of international travel. The HCA is notifying individuals who were exposed to the person in healthcare 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. Everyone 12 months and older should receive two doses of MMR vaccine before travel, scheduled at least 28 days apart, before departure. Infants six to eleven months old who are traveling internationally should receive one dose of MMR vaccine. 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 2,371 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. in 2026. This marks the highest annual case count since measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, surpassing the 2,289 cases reported during the full year of 2025.
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 traveling to domestic measles outbreak areas, talk to a healthcare 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
California Department of Public Health - Measles and
OC Health Care Agency - Measles
For additional resources:
- See article: Together We Can Prevent Measles
- Measles Awareness Infographic English, Spanish
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ABOUT THE OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is a regional interdisciplinary health jurisdiction and an accredited health department, charged with protecting and promoting individual, family and community health through partnership and coordination of public and private sector resources. Visit www.ochealthinfo.com to learn more about services and resources.