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Los Angeles Reports Second Measles Case in 2026

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 9:19 GMT by ABC7
      Locales: California, UNITED STATES

LOS ANGELES - February 1st, 2026 - Los Angeles County health officials are on alert following the confirmation of a second case of measles this year, announced today by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. This latest case, involving an individual who recently traveled internationally, raises concerns about potential community spread and underscores the importance of vaccination.

The announcement comes just weeks after the first confirmed measles case in L.A. County for 2026 was reported in January, stemming from an outbreak at an elementary school in Temple City. While that initial case was contained through swift public health intervention, the emergence of a second, travel-related case suggests a continuing risk of importing the virus from regions where measles remains prevalent.

Measles: A Highly Contagious Threat

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease spread through respiratory droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. It's so contagious that if one person has measles, 90% of those who are not immune and are exposed will become infected. Symptoms typically begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and pink eye, followed by a characteristic rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body. While many people recover from measles, it can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children and individuals with weakened immune systems.

These complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and even death. Before widespread vaccination, measles was a common childhood illness, but vaccination efforts dramatically reduced its incidence. The resurgence of cases, both locally and globally, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates.

International Travel and Disease Importation

The fact that this latest case involves an international traveler highlights a significant factor in the continued spread of measles. Travelers can unknowingly bring the virus from countries where it is still circulating to communities with lower vaccination coverage. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) actively monitors measles cases worldwide and provides guidance for travelers, including recommendations for vaccination before international trips.

Specifically, the CDC recommends that all U.S. residents and visitors traveling internationally ensure they are up-to-date on their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Infants younger than six months are generally not eligible for the MMR vaccine and rely on herd immunity - protection provided by the vaccination of those around them - for safety.

Public Health Response and Call for Vigilance The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is currently conducting a thorough investigation to identify potential exposures related to the second case. This includes tracing the individual's movements, identifying close contacts, and assessing their vaccination status. Public health officials emphasize that rapid identification and isolation of cases, along with contact tracing, are crucial in preventing further spread.

"We are taking this situation very seriously and are working diligently to protect the public's health," said Dr. Maria Hernandez, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in a released statement. "We urge anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with measles - fever, cough, runny nose, and rash - to contact their healthcare provider before visiting a doctor's office or emergency room. This will help prevent potential exposure to others."

Vaccination: The Best Defense

The most effective way to protect against measles is vaccination with the MMR vaccine. The CDC recommends that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine: the first dose between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. Adults born in 1957 or later who have not had measles or been vaccinated should also receive two doses of the MMR vaccine.

Local health officials are reinforcing the importance of reviewing vaccination records and ensuring that all family members are adequately protected. Several free or low-cost vaccination clinics are available throughout Los Angeles County, and information about these resources can be found on the Department of Public Health website.

With the potential for further importation of measles cases, and given the highly contagious nature of the virus, vigilance and proactive measures, particularly vaccination, are paramount to safeguarding the health of the Los Angeles County community.