Los Angeles County Faces Rising Measles Cases and Urgent Health Warning

19 February 2026

Measles are known are considered highly contagious. nobeastsofierce – stock.adobe.com

Health officials in Los Angeles County have confirmed a fourth case of measles this year, reigniting concerns over the spread of the highly contagious virus and prompting renewed calls for residents and visitors to take precautions and confirm their immunity status. The latest case involves a person who recently travelled internationally and spent time in several public locations, including Los Angeles International Airport, while infectious, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. This development comes amid a broader resurgence of measles in parts of the United States, where vaccination rates have slipped and outbreaks are attracting nationwide attention.

The infected person landed at the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX in early February after a long flight from Singapore and went on to visit multiple eateries and convenience stores in the San Gabriel Valley over several days before being diagnosed. Health officials have published detailed exposure windows for those who may have crossed paths with the individual at locations such as fast food restaurants and corner stores. Anyone present at those specific venues during the listed times is being advised to monitor themselves for symptoms and ensure they have appropriate immunisation coverage against measles.

Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known to medicine, spreading easily through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically include a high fever, runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes and a distinctive rash that appears several days after initial signs of infection. Because it can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for extended periods, public health agencies stress that even brief exposure in crowded settings, such as airports or food establishments, can be sufficient to transmit the virus to susceptible individuals.

The Los Angeles County cases are part of a wider trend in California and beyond. Earlier in February health officials across the state began urging residents to check their vaccination records and receive the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine if they were not up to date. State authorities noted outbreaks and confirmed exposures in several counties, including instances of infected individuals visiting theme parks and other popular destinations. In one recent scenario, two infected persons visited a major Southern California amusement park while contagious, prompting officials to notify potentially exposed employees and visitors and stressing the need for vigilant vaccination practices.

Public health experts emphasise that measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 thanks to high vaccination coverage and concerted public health efforts. However, declines in immunisation rates in certain communities have opened the door to renewed outbreaks, and current numbers represent the highest tally of measles cases in the country in decades. National data show that as of mid-February, hundreds of confirmed measles cases have been reported in 2026, a stark contrast to the relatively rare occurrences seen in recent years.

In response to rising case counts, officials at all levels are urging people to verify their MMR vaccine status and to seek immunisation if they are not fully protected. Two doses of the vaccine provide about 97 percent effectiveness against measles infection, making vaccination a powerful tool in curbing disease spread. Local health departments are also working with hospitals and clinics to quickly identify and isolate suspected cases, track down contacts and prevent further transmission.

While public health messaging continues to emphasise preventative measures and vaccination access, the resurgence of measles serves as a reminder of the vulnerability that remains when vaccination coverage lapses. Communities with low immunisation rates are most at risk, and health officials across California and the nation are mounting education campaigns to reinforce the importance of vaccines in protecting not only individual health but the broader population.