Measles surge dramatically in California among children and young adults

Key Points:

• California has reported 52 measles cases in the first half of 2026, more than double the 25 cases in all of 2025, with many patients unvaccinated or having unknown vaccination status; four have been hospitalized.
• Nationally, the U.S. is on track to reach its highest measles case count since the early 1990s, with 2,260 cases reported by mid-July 2026, nearly matching last year's total of 2,289 cases.
• Recent measles exposures have occurred at Los Angeles International Airport, involving infectious travelers arriving from Mexico and the UK, prompting public health notifications and monitoring for potential contacts.
• Infants under one year old, especially those traveling internationally, are at particular risk; health officials recommend early MMR vaccination for infants aged 6 to 11 months traveling to high-risk areas, with follow-up doses as per schedule.
• Public health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination to prevent measles spread, urging residents to ensure they and their children are fully immunized ahead of the upcoming school year.