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Measles Case Confirmed in San Bernardino County

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. les-case-confirmed-in-san-bernardino-county.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 6:58 GMT by CBS News
      Locales: California, UNITED STATES

ONTARIO, Calif. - February 16, 2026 - San Bernardino County health officials today confirmed the first case of measles within the county since 2019, sparking concerns about a potential resurgence of the highly contagious disease. The case, detected in a local resident, highlights a worrying trend observed across the United States: a slow but steady increase in measles cases following a period of relative control.

The infected individual visited a Walmart store in Ontario on February 14th, and was infectious from February 13th to 16th. Public health officials are actively tracing contacts and urging anyone who visited the store during that period to be vigilant for symptoms and consider testing or vaccination. The San Bernardino County Public Health Department can be reached at (800) 700-9995 for guidance and information.

"Measles is not just a childhood illness; it's a highly contagious virus that can lead to severe complications, particularly in vulnerable populations like infants too young to be vaccinated, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems," explained Dr. Anand Manne, San Bernardino County Health Officer. "We are urging residents to take this seriously and protect themselves and their families."

A National Trend of Increasing Cases

The San Bernardino County case isn't an isolated incident. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a noticeable uptick in measles cases nationally over the past year. While the U.S. had declared measles eliminated in 2000, imported cases - often from travelers returning from countries where measles is still prevalent - have occasionally led to localized outbreaks. However, the current increase appears to be driven more by community spread, suggesting declining vaccination rates are a key factor.

Experts point to several contributing factors to the decline in vaccination rates. These include misinformation surrounding vaccine safety, accessibility barriers to healthcare, and a general erosion of trust in public health institutions in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic also disrupted routine vaccinations, leaving a potential pool of susceptible individuals.

Understanding Measles and its Risks

Measles is characterized by a range of symptoms, beginning with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes). A distinctive rash typically follows, starting on the face and spreading downwards to the rest of the body. While most people recover from measles, complications can be serious and even life-threatening. These include pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and, rarely, death. One in five measles patients require hospitalization.

Vaccination: The Most Effective Defense The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are recommended for all children, with the first dose administered 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 haven't had measles or been vaccinated should also receive two doses of the MMR vaccine.

Health officials emphasize that the MMR vaccine is safe and rigorously tested. Concerns about a link between the MMR vaccine and autism have been thoroughly debunked by numerous scientific studies. The CDC and other leading health organizations continue to advocate for widespread vaccination as the most effective way to protect individuals and communities from measles.

What to do if you suspect exposure

If you believe you may have been exposed to measles, particularly if you were at the Ontario Walmart on February 14th, the health department advises monitoring for symptoms for up to 21 days. If symptoms develop, stay home and contact your healthcare provider immediately, informing them of your potential exposure. Avoid contact with others to prevent further spread.

Looking Ahead The San Bernardino County case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by preventable diseases. Public health officials are urging increased vaccination efforts, improved surveillance, and continued education to combat the spread of measles and protect the health of the community. The situation warrants careful monitoring as health experts assess whether this marks the beginning of a larger outbreak, not just in Southern California, but nationally.