By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
California has reported more measles cases just months into 2026 than in all of last year, prompting renewed warnings from state health officials as outbreaks continue to spread.
According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), “more cases and outbreaks of measles have been confirmed in California in 2026 than in all of 2025,” underscoring a sharp rise in infections early in the year.
State data show at least 39 confirmed cases statewide as of mid-April, compared to 25 total cases in all of 2025, a more than 50% increase with much of the year still ahead. Earlier in the year, CDPH reported 26 cases across nine counties by early March, with nearly all infections linked to people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.
The largest outbreak is centered in the Sacramento region, where health officials reported new cases within the past week. CDPH said recently that local health departments in Sacramento and Placer counties had identified “multiple recent cases,” prompting the agency to urge immediate precautions.
To limit transmission, CDPH is advising that unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles “stay at home,” and that anyone with symptoms contact a health care provider before seeking in-person care.
Public health officials say the surge is being driven largely by travel-related infections and spread from other U.S. outbreaks. CDPH noted that cases in California have been linked to travel abroad and to domestic outbreaks, including one in South Carolina that is connected to cases in Northern California.
The data also show the outbreak is disproportionately affecting younger populations. About 85% of cases are among people under age 20, and 95% involve individuals who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown, according to state health officials.
Health officials continue to stress that measles — one of the most contagious viruses — is preventable. CDPH and local agencies are urging residents to ensure they are up to date on the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine as the state works to contain the spread.
