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Orange County Declares Public Health Emergency Due to Measles Outbreak

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. ic-health-emergency-due-to-measles-outbreak.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 20:45 GMT by CBS News
      Locales: California, UNITED STATES

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. - February 1st, 2026 - Orange County officials declared a public health emergency today, confirming a measles outbreak with direct links to Disneyland and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This announcement, coming nearly six years after a similar incident in 2020, underscores a disturbing trend of increasing measles cases across the United States, fueled by declining vaccination rates and waning public immunity.

The outbreak currently comprises five confirmed cases as of yesterday, all traced back to exposure within the popular tourist destinations. The Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) is urging individuals who visited Disneyland or LAX between February 26th and 29th to vigilantly monitor for symptoms - including fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash - and to immediately contact their healthcare provider.

"Measles is incredibly contagious, far more so than COVID-19," explains Dr. Matthew Zahniser, medical director for communicable disease at the OCHCA. "An infected person can spread the virus to up to 90% of those who are not immune. This is why even limited exposure in crowded places like theme parks and airports presents a significant public health risk, especially for vulnerable populations - young children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems."

Measles can lead to serious complications, ranging from ear infections and diarrhea to pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death. While rare, these severe outcomes are a stark reminder of the disease's potential severity and the importance of preventative measures. The current outbreak isn't just a local issue; it's a symptom of a larger national problem.

A Nation Losing Immunity

In 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared measles eliminated in the United States, meaning it was no longer continuously transmitted. However, this achievement has been eroded in recent years. The CDC has repeatedly warned about the increasing number of unvaccinated individuals, particularly due to misinformation surrounding the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. A persistent - and thoroughly debunked - link to autism continues to circulate, contributing to vaccine hesitancy among some parents.

Data indicates a steady decline in MMR vaccination rates over the past decade. While the initial drop was concerning, the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the problem, delaying routine vaccinations and creating a larger pool of susceptible individuals. Pediatricians and public health officials have reported a growing number of parents choosing to delay or forego vaccinations for their children.

"We've seen a concerning trend of parents questioning the safety and necessity of vaccines," says Dr. Amelia Hernandez, a pediatric infectious disease specialist. "It's crucial to understand that the MMR vaccine is incredibly safe and effective. It's one of the most studied vaccines we have, and the benefits far outweigh the risks. The resurgence of measles is a direct consequence of declining vaccination coverage."

Orange County's Response and National Implications The OCHCA is proactively offering free measles vaccinations to residents to curb the spread of the outbreak. This initiative is vital, but experts emphasize that vaccination is not just a reactive measure; it's a preventative one. The CDC is actively involved in the investigation, providing support to local health agencies and monitoring the situation nationwide.

The current outbreak in Orange County is likely just the tip of the iceberg. Experts predict that, without a significant increase in vaccination rates, we can expect to see more outbreaks across the country in the coming months and years. This could overwhelm healthcare systems, especially during peak seasons for other respiratory illnesses.

Beyond individual health, measles outbreaks also carry significant economic costs, including medical expenses, lost productivity, and the expense of outbreak control measures. Public health officials are urging a renewed focus on public education campaigns to dispel misinformation and promote the importance of vaccination. The challenge now is to rebuild public trust in vaccines and ensure that all individuals have access to the protection they deserve.