A case of measles has been confirmed in an adult resident of Orange County. This person is a contact to a known case. This is the 6th case of confirmed measles reported in an OC resident in 2026. In 2025 2 cases of measles were reported.
Key Message
- If measles is in the differential, providers should contact Communicable Disease Control Division (CDCD) immediately at 714-834-8180. We can expedite PCR testing at our public health lab with usual turn around times of 24 hours or less.
Measles is an acute viral illness typically presenting with fever, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis, followed 3-5 days later by a rash. The maculopapular rash typically begins on the face and spreads down the torso and out to the extremities. The incubation period for measles ranges from 7-21 days after exposure and individuals are infectious from 4 days prior to rash onset until 4 days after rash onset. Measles is highly contagious and spreads via airborne transmission.
Individuals can be presumed to be immune to measles if they were 1) born prior to 1957 OR 2) have received two doses of measles containing vaccine OR 3) have documented positive IgG titer OR 4) documentation of prior disease.
Evidence of immunity should not preclude considering measles in anyone with clinically compatible illness, particularly if they have a history of measles exposure. More info...
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