Shasta County Measles Outbreak: 8 Cases Confirmed in California

What happened in Shasta County

Health teams traced an index patient identified on Jan. 30 to an outbreak of eight linked measles cases. Officials say infected people isolated prior to being contagious, and contact tracing began immediately. Public health staff publicly thanked community members for cooperating. CBS Sacramento

Redding exposure sites

Shasta County published a list of public locations and times where an infectious person was present. Anyone who visited these sites at the listed times should watch for symptoms and confirm vaccination records:

• Ninja Coalition, 900 Dana Drive: Jan. 23, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
• Highland Neighborhood Park (outdoor capture the flag): Jan. 23, noon–4 p.m.
• Osaka Sushi, 1340 Churn Creek Rd.: Jan. 23, 6:30–10 p.m.
• Former CrossPointe Community Church gym (basketball): Jan. 24, 1:45–5 p.m.
• Costco, 4805 Bechelli Lane: Jan. 24, 6:30–9 p.m.
• Churn Creek HealthCare clinic, 3184 Churn Creek Road: Jan. 28, 1:45–5 p.m.

Full exposure details and public notices are available from CBS Sacramento and county health communications.

Statewide picture: spread and response

As of Feb. 9, California reported 17 confirmed measles cases across Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Shasta and Napa counties. Napa recorded its first case in nearly 15 years. Six cases were reported in the week before Feb. 9 while investigators reviewed other suspected cases. UNMC Health Security • Xinhua

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) health alert asked clinicians to suspect measles in patients with fever and rash, use airborne precautions, and report suspected cases immediately. CDPH reminded Californians that measles can be contagious from four days before a rash to four days after.

Disneyland exposure and public notice

Two infectious people visited Disneyland on Jan. 22 and Jan. 28. Park staff and visitors who may have been exposed were notified and advised to monitor for symptoms. Large public venues and transit hubs raise transmission risk because measles is airborne and can linger in the air. UNMC Health Security

National context and why this matters

The U.S. is experiencing the highest measles numbers in more than 30 years. By Feb. 5, there were 733 confirmed cases in 2026 across 20 states, and 2025 saw more than 2,400 cases—the highest total since measles elimination was declared. Most infections were in people who were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. CDC data • Xinhua

“The U.S. is experiencing the highest numbers of measles cases, outbreaks, hospitalizations and deaths in more than 30 years, driven by pockets of low vaccination,” said Dr. Erica Pan, director and state public health officer for CDPH. CDPH

How measles spreads and who is at risk

Measles transmits through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain airborne or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. About 90% of unvaccinated people exposed will become infected. Symptoms include fever, rash and the “three C’s”: cough, coryza (runny nose) and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Measles can be severe, especially for young children and pregnant people. Xinhua

Vaccination guidance and protection

The MMR vaccine is highly effective: two doses provide about 97% protection against measles. Kindergarten two-dose coverage in California exceeded 95% in 2024–2025, but outbreaks occur where coverage is lower. Adults born in 1957 or later should have two doses or other proof of immunity. Providers are asked to consult standard references and follow airborne precautions for suspected cases. CDPH measles page

What officials are asking the public to do now

• Check vaccination records. If you or your child need MMR shots, contact your health provider or local clinic. CDPH
• Monitor for symptoms for 21 days after possible exposure: fever and rash, plus cough, runny nose or red eyes. CDPH health alert
• Call ahead to your clinic if you suspect measles so staff can isolate you on arrival and protect others.
• Health providers must report suspected cases immediately and use airborne precautions. CDPH guidance

Implications for the Imperial Valley, California

Economic: Local exposures could hit consumer confidence and cause temporary closures, staffing shortages, cleaning costs and increased vaccination demand at clinics and schools.

Political: Officials may face pressure to expand outreach, revisit immunization policies, and balance public health measures with varied local opinions.

Social & cultural: Communities with lower vaccination coverage are most vulnerable. Outreach must be culturally sensitive and multilingual to reach farmworkers, Spanish-speaking households and migrant communities; trusted local partners will be essential.

Practical steps: Residents should immediately check MMR records and get missing doses; employers should encourage staff vaccination and plan to isolate symptomatic employees; schools should consider on-site clinics or partnerships with county health departments.

Additional resources and sources

• California Department of Public Health measles page
• CDPH health alerts (Increase of Measles in California)
• CBS Sacramento reporting on Shasta County outbreak and Redding exposure sites
• UNMC Health Security reporting on California cases
• Xinhua News coverage of U.S. measles trends
• CDC measles data and national outbreak information

Reporting from Times Media Service; local health departments provided public notices and case information.