State urges measles vaccination after cases reported in Sacramento region
– The California Department of Public Health is urging residents to get vaccinated against measles after six cases were reported in Placer and Sacramento counties.
Health officials said the cases represent the third measles outbreak in California this year. The department is working with county health officials to investigate additional suspected cases across multiple jurisdictions and notify people who may have been exposed.
To limit the spread, the department recommends that unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to measles stay home, and that people with symptoms contact a health care provider for guidance on testing and care.
In late February, Sacramento County reported a measles case in an unvaccinated toddler who had recently traveled to an area in South Carolina with an ongoing outbreak. Placer County later identified cases in three siblings from a different household who had direct contact with the toddler.
On March 4, Sacramento County reported a fifth case in a child from the same community who attended an educational enrichment program where as many as 130 children may have been exposed while the child was infectious. On March 5, Placer County reported a sixth case in another unvaccinated child from a different household in the same community.
“Measles, one of the most contagious infections, can lead to severe life-long consequences including permanent brain damage and can also be fatal, especially for children,” said Dr. Erica Pan, director and state public health officer for the California Department of Public Health. “The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and provides long-lasting protection against measles. Vaccination protects both our own families and those who are too young to be fully vaccinated.”
Health officials said two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine are 97 percent effective at preventing illness. They noted that measles has spread quickly in unvaccinated communities, including within families, groups of homeschooled children, and religious communities with lower vaccination rates.
The department said it is working with local officials in Placer and Sacramento counties and other nearby areas to notify people who may have been exposed. Leaders of the educational enrichment program have agreed to temporarily close the facility.
Officials advised people who may have been exposed to check their immunity status and contact a health care provider if they are not fully immunized or are unsure. Those exposed within the past seven days should consult a provider about vaccination or immune globulin. Those exposed more than seven days earlier and not immune should stay home and limit interactions with others for 21 days after exposure.
Health officials said individuals should monitor for symptoms, including fever or an unexplained rash, from seven to 21 days after exposure. Anyone who develops symptoms should call a health care provider before visiting a medical facility to avoid exposing others.
In February, the department reported eight related measles cases in Shasta County, the state’s first outbreak since 2020. As of March 2, a total of 26 cases had been reported in nine counties statewide. Officials said 96 percent of cases involved individuals who were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
Elsewhere in the United States, an outbreak in South Carolina had 990 associated cases as of March 3.
California reported more than 95 percent vaccination coverage among kindergarteners for the 2024-2025 school year, a level officials said helps reduce the risk of community spread. However, vaccination rates vary across the state, and measles can spread more easily in communities with lower coverage.
The department and the West Coast Health Alliance recently endorsed the 2026 American Academy of Pediatrics recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule to support access to vaccination guidance.
Health officials said the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine provides protection against disease and serious illness and recommended that residents ensure they and their families are up to date on vaccinations, especially before traveling domestically or internationally or attending large gatherings.
They said people 12 months and older should receive two doses before international travel, and infants 6 to 11 months should receive one dose. Families traveling to areas in the United States with outbreaks should consult a health care provider.
Residents can check vaccination status through the California Digital Vaccine Record and schedule appointments through MyTurn.ca.gov or by contacting a pharmacy or health care provider. Officials said vaccines are covered for most people through health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. Officials said about 90 percent of unvaccinated individuals who are exposed will contract the disease. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and a rash. Individuals can spread the disease about four days before and after a rash appears.
In 2025, 11 percent of reported measles patients in the United States were hospitalized.
Health officials said measles remains common globally, including in Africa, Asia, and Europe, with ongoing outbreaks in Canada and Mexico. Although the United States eliminated measles in 2000, cases have increased in recent years, including outbreaks in Texas and South Carolina in 2025.
Officials said transmission remains possible, particularly in communities with lower immunization coverage.
