First Measles Case of 2026 Confirmed in Riverside County

RIVERSIDE (CNS) - The first measles case of 2026 surfaced in western
Riverside County recently, prompting health officials today to urge precautions
and vigilance among residents.
  

The patient, identified only as a non-vaccinated child, tested positive for a measles
infection following tests last month and is now recovering at home,
according to the Riverside University Health System.
  

The origin of the infection could not be verified. RUHS officials said
the minor had not traveled out of the country, or even out of the state, in
the last several months.
  

It's the 11th case of measles documented statewide this year. The
other patients are from Los Angeles, Napa, Orange, San Bernardino, San Mateo
and Shasta counties, according to the California Department of Public Health.
  

``As we see growing reports of measles from our neighboring counties,
the risk of measles is no longer remote,'' county Public Health Officer Dr.
Jennifer Chevinsky said. ``It's now also impacting us here in our own county,
even among those with no recent international or out-of-state travel. The
importance of timely vaccination is clear.''
  

Last year, Riverside County documented its first measles infection
since 2018. Statewide, there were a total 25 verified measles cases in 2025,
according to health officials.
  

``Measles is highly infectious and can be spread through the air when
a person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes, so it is very important to call
your healthcare provider if you may have been exposed and especially at the
first sign of measles illness,'' Chevinsky said.
  

Measles-mumps-rubella -- MMR -- vaccinations and boosters are
available through the county health system, or from clinics and physicians. The
consultations are private.
  

``Measles typically begins with a fever that lasts a couple of days,
followed by symptoms such as runny nose, cough, conjunctivitis -- pink eye --
and rash,'' RUHS stated.
  

``The earliest symptoms usually last four to seven days. The rash will
usually appear first on the face, along the hairline and behind the ears.
It then spreads to the rest of the body. Those infected can spread measles
about four days before their rash starts to four days afterward.''
  

Officials noted that remaining isolated at home throughout infection
is vital to prevent community spread.
  

The last significant measles outbreak occurred as a result of the
contagion spreading at Disneyland from December 2014 to April 2015, when about
131 people were infected.
  

In 2023, there were four confirmed measles cases statewide, and in
2024, there were 15, according to the CDPH.
  

Information regarding immunizations and treatment is available at
www.ruhealth.org/vaccineclinics, or by calling 951-358-7125.
  

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