Health authorities in California are scrambling to contain a growing measles outbreak after two additional infections were confirmed in Sacramento County, pushing the statewide total to 34 cases.
Officials revealed that the latest infections involve unvaccinated children, highlighting concerns about the virus spreading among people who have not received the recommended immunisations. While measles typically poses little threat to those who are vaccinated, health experts warn it can be dangerous for individuals without protection.
“The continued identification of measles cases in our community is concerning and underscores how quickly this disease can spread,” said Olivia Kasirye, Sacramento County’s Public Health Officer.
Despite the rising numbers, health officials say the overall risk to the general public is still considered low. However, they are urging residents to remain alert and take preventive measures.
Kasirye stressed that measles infections are largely preventable and encouraged people to get vaccinated. According to experts, the MMR vaccine — which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella — provides strong and long-lasting immunity.
The highly contagious virus usually begins showing symptoms seven to fourteen days after infection, including high fever, runny nose, coughing, and a characteristic rash.
Data from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention shows that measles remains one of the most infectious diseases in the world. Most children receive the vaccine at a young age, which significantly reduces the risk of outbreaks.
Across the United States, cases have now been reported in 33 states, with about 92% of infections linked to people who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. In total, the country has recorded more than 1,671 confirmed measles cases in 2026 so far.
Health officials in Sacramento say the two recently infected children are currently in isolation and recovering.
Concerns about the virus spreading further were also raised recently in Los Angeles County, where public health officials warned about how rapidly measles can move through communities.
“That’s ridiculously infectious,” said Sharon Balter, director of acute communicable disease control for the county’s health department.
“It balloons very quickly, and because measles spreads so fast we have to respond immediately. Waiting even a day can make a big difference,” she added.
