| LAC DPH Health Alert:
Multiple Measles Cases in LA County
February 3, 2026
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This message is intended for all healthcare providers in Los Angeles County.
Please distribute as appropriate.
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- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LAC DPH) is investigating three confirmed, unrelated measles cases, all associated with recent travel and public exposures. Additional cases are possible.
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Maintain a high index of suspicion for measles in any patient with febrile rash illness and collect travel history and assess measles immunity in all such patients. Recent investigations highlight the importance of early recognition and immediate reporting of suspected measles, as delays can lead to additional community and healthcare facility exposures.
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Healthcare providers should 1) ensure patients are up to date with measles-containing vaccines (MMR or MMRV) or have presumptive evidence of immunity, 2) immunize all travelers aged 6 months or older without documented immunity, and 3) immediately report suspected measles to LAC DPH to coordinate testing at public health labs.
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All healthcare personnel should have documented measles immunity.
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Since January 30, 2026, LAC DPH has identified three confirmed, unrelated measles cases associated with recent international travel. Two cases involve LA County residents, and one involves a visitor from a country with an ongoing outbreak. LAC DPH is investigating multiple public exposures related to these cases.
Based on recent investigations, early recognition and prompt reporting of suspected measles are essential to reduce community and healthcare exposures.
The Orange County Health Agency has also reported two additional unrelated measles cases, including one without any recent travel.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of January 29, 2026, just one month into the year, there have already been 588 confirmed cases of measles in the U.S. By comparison, 2025 recorded 2,267 cases, the highest annual count in more than 30 years.
Given the increased global measles activity, ongoing local exposures, and recent cases among travelers, healthcare providers should remain alert for additional cases and take the following actions to prevent transmission, ensure vaccination, and promptly identify and report suspected measles.
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Actions Requested of Providers
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Vaccinate: Make sure that all patients and healthcare staff are up to date on their measles vaccinations, especially those traveling to areas with ongoing domestic or international outbreaks. All persons who do not have presumptive evidence of immunity should be vaccinated.
- All healthcare personnel should have 2 documented doses of MMR or laboratory demonstration of immunity.
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Everyone 6 months of age and older should be protected against measles before traveling internationally or to areas of ongoing outbreaks.
- If you do not offer measles vaccines in your practice:
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For uninsured patients and patients whose insurance does not cover the full cost of vaccines, please reference the LAC DPH vaccine clinic locations website to identify nearby free and low-cost immunization clinics.
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For insured patients, please refer the patient to a provider or pharmacy who can provide MMR vaccine as these patients will be ineligible to receive vaccine at the above immunization clinics.
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Suspect: Consider measles in any patient who presents with a febrile rash and clinically compatible measles symptoms (e.g., cough, coryza, conjunctivitis), especially if they have not been immunized and have recently traveled abroad or to one of the states currently experiencing outbreaks. Please see the DPH Measles Information for Providers to review symptoms and typical presentations of measles and our Provider Checklist for step-by-step information on isolation and testing.
- Isolate: Any patients with a febrile rash illness should be immediately asked to don a well-fitting medical mask or respirator, removed from waiting rooms and other common areas, and placed in a private room with a closed door.
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Notify: Public Health should be contacted immediately while the patient with suspected measles is still at the facility. See “Reporting” below. LAC DPH will guide you through the collection of specimens for testing (throat swab and urine samples for PCR and blood sample for serology) and management of the patient under investigation as well as asymptomatic contacts of a suspected or confirmed case. See the LA County specimen collection instructions for more details on quantities, storage, labeling, and shipping.
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Report suspected measles cases to Public Health by phone IMMEDIATELY
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Los Angeles County Department of Public Health:
Weekdays 8:30 am–5:00 pm: call 213-351-7800.
After-hours: call 213-974-1234 and ask for the physician on call.
Long Beach Health and Human Services:
Weekdays 8am-5pm: call 562-570-4302.
After hours: call the Duty Officer at 562-500-5537.
Pasadena Public Health Department:
Weekdays 8am-5pm: call 626-744-6089.
After hours: call 626-744-6043.
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This communication was sent by Nava Yeganeh, MD, Medical Director, Vaccine Preventable Disease Control Program, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
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To view this LAHAN in PDF format, view past communications, or sign-up to receive LAHANs, please visit ph.lacounty.gov/lahan.
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