(Santa Ana, CA) – As reported by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health earlier today, a measles case was confirmed in a juvenile now residing in Orange County. The case arrived at LAX on 7/16/26 after living abroad.
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA), Communicable Disease Control Division (CDCD) is notifying individuals who were exposed to the person in a healthcare setting. There were no other places of exposure in Orange County. Additionally, information about exposure at LAX can be found through the LA Department of Public Health press release in their newsroom, LAPHDNews.
Unvaccinated people and infants too young to be vaccinated are at high risk if exposed. The best protection against the highly contagious virus is two doses of the MMR vaccine. Visit the California Department of Public Health page for vaccine recommendations. Most Californians are vaccinated against measles; therefore, their risk of being infected with measles is very low.
“Measles doesn’t only affect people who travel or live internationally—everyone is at risk if they’re not protected,” said Dr. Anissa Davis, Deputy County Health Officer. “Because measles is highly contagious, it can spread quickly within communities, even among those who haven’t traveled. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get vaccinated before exposure occurs.”
Symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash that begins on the face and spreads to the body. Individuals who have unknown immunization status, or who have not received the measles vaccines, are at high risk of developing measles 7-21 days after being exposed. Anyone who suspects they may have measles should call their medical provider before arriving at the medical office to avoid exposing others.
Current Situation
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as of July 17, 2026, there have been 2,260 confirmed cases of measles in the US. By comparison, 2025 recorded 2,289 cases for the full year. For both years, 93% of all cases were unvaccinated.
For more information on measles visit:
Clinician and Public Guidance
Clinicians in Orange County should report suspected measles immediately to the HCA’s Communicable Disease Control Division for testing and guidance at 1 (714) 834-8180.
Further Questions
Clinicians or members of the public in OC with questions about measles can contact the HCA Health Referral Line at:
- Toll-Free: 1 (800) 564-8448 – Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- TDD: 1 (800) 801-7100 – Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
###
Links in this section relate to Body