Measles Outbreak in Shasta County: A Growing Concern
Shasta County residents are facing a growing concern as health officials confirm an outbreak of measles, with eight cases now identified. The situation has sparked discussions about vaccination and public health measures.
On February 10, 2026, the Shasta Health and Human Services Agency released a statement regarding seven new measles cases, aligning with the information shared by the state the previous day. This development is considered an expected outcome based on early contact tracing efforts.
The agency emphasized that all seven new patients were close contacts of the initial case, who had been collaborating with Public Health since the outbreak's inception. These individuals agreed to isolate at home before becoming contagious, ensuring no public exposure. As a result, no new exposure sites have been identified.
Despite the controlled nature of the outbreak, the initial case in Shasta County has now expanded to eight confirmed cases, as announced by state officials. This outbreak marks the state's first measles outbreak since 2020, according to the California Department of Public Health.
The press release from the California Department of Public Health (https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR26-007.aspx) urged Californians to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles, as local health departments report new cases. So far, cases have been reported in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Shasta Counties, with Shasta having the highest number of cases.
Shasta Health Officer Dr. James Mu addressed the board of supervisors, acknowledging the outbreak's impact. He mentioned that the new cases were among the family and neighbors of the first identified individual with measles in January. Dr. Mu assured the public that the current situation does not pose an immediate threat, as the outbreak has not spread beyond close contacts.
The most recent update on February 6 identified a sixth location where the previously known individual with measles might have exposed others. The county's Health and Human Services Agency is working on a press release to announce the new cases.
As of February 9, a total of 17 measles cases were reported statewide, with nearly half in Shasta County. In South Carolina, where measles has been spreading since October 2025, there are now 933 reported cases, according to the state's public health department.
The CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer, Dr. Erica Pan, emphasized the rising numbers of measles cases, outbreaks, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States, particularly among populations with low vaccination rates. She urged collaboration to share medical evidence and promote vaccine benefits and safety.
Measles, being highly contagious, poses a significant risk to unvaccinated individuals, especially young children and pregnant people. The press release noted that about 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles will contract the disease. Dr. Pan's statement highlights the importance of vaccination to protect families and communities.
Supervisor Kevin Crye expressed his support for vaccination while opposing mandatory vaccine policies. Dr. Mu encouraged the public to get the two-dose measles vaccine if needed, and vaccination status can be verified at https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/. He also advised anyone experiencing symptoms to contact a medical provider immediately for testing, emphasizing the importance of isolation to prevent further spread.
Measles symptoms include a fever lasting a couple of days, followed by a rash, runny nose, cough, and pink eye. Those infected can spread the disease four days before the rash appears. For corrections or updates, email editor@shastascout.org.
