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California Faces Highest Measles Cases in 33 Years

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. nia-faces-highest-measles-cases-in-33-years.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, January 20th 2026 at 14:13 GMT by Patch
      Locales: California, UNITED STATES

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA - January 20th, 2026 - California is grappling with a concerning spike in measles cases, marking the highest incidence in 33 years, and San Mateo County officials are urging residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families. The resurgence highlights a critical decline in vaccination rates and underscores the importance of maintaining community immunity against this highly contagious disease.

The warning comes from San Mateo County Public Health Officer, Dr. Arvind Pathak, who emphasized the seriousness of the situation and the need for immediate action. "We're seeing a significant increase in measles cases across California," Dr. Pathak stated. "It's crucial that everyone ensures they are protected from this disease through vaccination."

Why the Sudden Increase?

While the exact drivers of this resurgence are still being investigated, health officials point to a combination of factors. International travel remains a significant contributor, with measles potentially being brought into the state from regions where outbreaks are ongoing. Once introduced, the disease can then spread within communities, particularly among individuals who are unvaccinated or have waning immunity. This is compounded by a concerning trend of declining childhood vaccination rates in recent years, fueled by misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.

Recent data suggests a worrying number of parents are delaying or declining recommended vaccinations for their children, leaving them vulnerable to preventable diseases like measles. This trend isn't exclusive to San Mateo County; it's a statewide and national issue. The consequence is a reduction in herd immunity - the indirect protection afforded to those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants or individuals with compromised immune systems - which allows measles to more easily circulate.

Understanding the Risk and Recognizing Symptoms

Measles is not merely a childhood rash; it's a serious illness with potentially severe complications. These can include pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and, in rare cases, death. Complications are particularly dangerous for young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Recognizing the symptoms early is crucial for prompt diagnosis and isolation, which can help prevent further spread. Key symptoms include:

• Fever: Typically high, often exceeding 104?F.
• Cough: A persistent and dry cough.
• Runny Nose: Characterized by nasal congestion and discharge.
• Watery, Red Eyes (Conjunctivitis): Inflammation and redness of the eyes.
• Rash: A distinctive red, blotchy rash that begins on the face and spreads downwards to the rest of the body.

It's important to note that the rash typically appears 3-5 days after the initial symptoms and can last for several days.

Protecting Yourself and Your Community: Vaccination is Key

The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective and safe. Health officials strongly recommend that all individuals who are not fully vaccinated - including adults - get vaccinated.

San Mateo County residents can easily locate vaccination clinics and providers through the County's official website ( [ https://www.smchealth.org/measles ] ) or by dialing 211, a statewide information and referral service.

Beyond personal protection, residents are encouraged to be mindful of their community. If you suspect you or someone you know may have measles, isolate yourselves and contact a healthcare provider immediately. This helps prevent further transmission and protects vulnerable members of the community. Public health officials are emphasizing that vigilance and proactive vaccination are essential to curbing this measles resurgence and protecting the health of all Californians.