(SACRAMENTO, CA.) — Sacramento County health officials have confirmed two cases of measles in unvaccinated children.
One child contracted the disease in January while traveling to South Carolina, where a large outbreak is currently underway. Health officials say that child has since recovered and is no longer contagious. The source of exposure for the second child remains unknown.
The second child sought care at Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center on March 2 between 6:55 a.m. and 7:14 a.m. and is now recovering in home isolation.
Hospital officials have identified patients and staff who may have been exposed and are working with county health officials to notify them. Anyone who was at the medical center during that time may be at risk and is advised to contact the county’s Communicable Disease Program.
“These cases are a reminder that measles is highly contagious and can easily be brought back into our community through travel,” said Olivia Kasirye, Sacramento County’s public health officer, in an official release. “The most important step people can take is to make sure they and their family members are up to date on measles vaccinations.”
As of March 2, there have been 26 confirmed measles cases in California this year, according to state health data. Nationwide, more than 1,100 cases have been reported in 2026, with the majority occurring among unvaccinated individuals.
Health officials say the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective. Two doses provide about 97 percent protection against measles, while one dose is about 93 percent effective.
Comments on a Nextdoor post regarding a Sacramento measles outbreak show a divide between urging vaccination for safety and expressing distrust in vaccines.
(Screenshot of Nexdoor post by Sarah Denos, OpGov.news. Image CDC / Public Health Image Library.)
Participants, including Monica Tovar and Brent Coplan, offered views ranging from "Terrible" to "Get vaccinated!", while others expressed concerns about vaccine mandates and safety. Read the full community discussion on Nextdoor.
Measles spreads through the air and can linger in a room even after an infected person leaves. Symptoms usually appear 8 to 12 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash that spreads from the face down the body.
Residents experiencing symptoms are urged to stay home, avoid contact with others and call a healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility.
County health officials also encourage residents to review their vaccination records. Children typically receive the MMR vaccine at 12–15 months and again between ages 4 and 6, though infants as young as 6 months may receive an early dose before international travel.
More information about vaccination clinics and low-cost immunization programs is available through Sacramento County health services or by dialing 2-1-1.
Submit Sacramento County tips and story ideas to Sarah Denos at sarahkdenos@gmail.com.
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