County health officials Thursday urged residents to protect themselves from measles by vaccinating as cases surge across the country, including local cases in Los Angeles and Orange counties. No cases have yet been recorded in San Diego County this year, but five cases in those above counties hav e led to exposures in Disneyland, airports, restaurants, shops and other public spaces. Relevant content: Health Feb 2 Measles confirmed in recent Disneyland visitor, OC health officials say Health Jan 20 The U.S. is on the verge of losing its measles elimination status. Here's why that matters According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, measles is one of the most contagious of infectious diseases. If not immunized, a person exposed to someone with measles has a 95% chance of becoming infected. “If you have traveled internationally or nationally near an outbreak area and are experiencing fever and a rash, call your healthcare provider immediately,” said Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, county public health officer. “Measles can be a very dangerous illness, especially for babies and young children.” Measles spreads through tiny airborne droplets that can linger in the air for hours and survive on surfaces. The virus — declared eliminated from the United States in 2000 by the World Health Organization due to the success of vaccination efforts — is making a strong comeback with a record 2,267 cases and 49 outbreaks reported nationwide last year — nearly all among those who are unvaccinated. January 2026 marked the highest number of cases for that month in 26 years, a county statement read. An ongoing, large outbreak in South Carolina has reached 876 cases, surpassing the 2025 Texas outbreak that reached 762 cases and claimed the lives of two children before it ended in August 2025. Infants under 12 months are most at risk because they have not yet received the measles vaccine. Children over 12 months who are not immunized and people with weakened immune systems are also highly vulnerable. Measles typically develops seven to 21 days after exposure. Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A distinctive red rash usually appears one to four days after early symptoms start. A person is considered contagious four days before and four days after the rash appears. The rash typically begins on the face and head, then proceeds downward and outward to the hands and feet. It fades in the same order it began, from head to feet. According to the county, measles complications are more common in children younger than 5 years old and adults 20 years and older. Complications can include diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia. Death can occur from severe complications and the risk is higher among younger children and adults. There is no treatment for measles. Bed rest, fluids and fever control are recommended. People with complications may need treatment for their specific problems. “The best way to prevent measles and protect your child from getting sick is with a vaccine,” Thihalolipavan said. “Getting the measles vaccine is much safer than getting measles. Two doses of the vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles, and more than 95% of a community should be vaccinated to prevent a measles outbreak.” Children on a normal vaccination scheduled are inoculated with the MMR vaccine, which also vaccinates against mumps and rubella. For more information about measles and/or other vaccine-preventable diseases, visit the county’s Health and Human Services Agency’s Immunization Branch online or by phone at 866-358-2966. ...read more read less