Measles Cases in California More Than Double Prior Year, Officials Urge Vaccination

California health authorities confirmed 52 measles cases in the first six and a half months of 2026, exceeding the 25 cases reported for the entire previous year. The majority of patients, 49, were either unvaccinated or lacked documented immunization records, and four required hospitalization. Children and young adults were most affected, with 27 cases among ages 5 to 19 and 15 among children under five, according to the state Department of Public Health.

Nationally, the disease has approached last year’s total of 2,289 cases, a figure that was the highest in a single year since the 1989-91 epidemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that 93% of confirmed cases are linked to outbreaks, and 34 new outbreaks have been reported this year.

Health officials traced recent exposures to international travelers passing through Los Angeles International Airport. One juvenile arriving from Mexico on July 16 and another passenger from the United Kingdom on July 3 were identified as potentially infectious, prompting contact notifications for passengers and airport staff who were in proximity to the travelers.

The state has also recorded two infants who contracted measles after international travel, adding to 11 infant cases reported since 2020. Officials advise parents of infants six to 11 months old who will travel to consider an early dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, followed by the routine series.

"As measles cases increase, it is important that residents take steps to make sure they are fully protected. The MMR vaccine is the safest and most reliable way to prevent measles and protect yourself, your family, and your community," said Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County health officer.

"The rise in measles cases nationally is a reminder that we cannot let our guard down against serious and highly contagious diseases," said Dr. Susan Philip, San Francisco health officer.

Public health agencies continue to monitor exposures through early August and encourage anyone without documented immunity to verify their vaccination status.