Public health urges measles protection as cases rise nationally
Over 600 cases confirmed nationwide, with 8 in California
– As cases of measles increase across the United States, particularly with outbreaks in several states, the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department is urging residents to take steps to protect themselves and their families from the preventable illness.
“Measles is a disease we can prevent,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, County Health Officer. “We take measles very seriously because it is so contagious and can be very dangerous, especially for infants and young children. We’re fortunate to have very effective routine vaccines to protect us from measles. If you’re not up to date on your vaccines or aren’t sure, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor and catch up as a family, to protect your health and peace of mind.”
The last confirmed case of measles in San Luis Obispo County was reported in 2018. Though there have not been any recent cases in the county, eight confirmed cases have been reported in California and more than 600 cases across 20 states in the U.S. so far in 2025. Most of the cases in California have been linked to travel to areas with higher measles rates.
Measles is a contagious illness that spreads through the air via coughing or sneezing. It typically begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Two or three days after symptoms start, tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth. A rash of tiny red spots will follow, starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. Individuals with measles are usually contagious for about nine days, including four days before the rash appears, the day of rash onset, and four days after.
If you have not been vaccinated or are unsure about your vaccination status, contact your regular health care provider, local pharmacy, or the Public Health Department to get your vaccine. The measles vaccine consists of two shots and provides strong protection against the virus.
For those planning travel, it is important to check for measles outbreaks at your destination and ensure that you are properly vaccinated. If traveling within the U.S., visit the CDC’s Measles Cases and Outbreaks page. For international travel, check the CDC’s Global Measles Travel Health page. Children may be eligible to receive their first dose of the vaccine earlier if traveling to areas where measles is more common.
If you are experiencing symptoms of measles, contact your health care provider immediately and inform them of your concerns.
For more information on measles, visit cdc.gov/measles.
