The Facts About Measles

Local measles outbreak updates

On March 30, 2026, the Shasta County measles outbreak, first identified Jan. 30, 2026, ended. The county’s final measles case count for this outbreak was nine. All individuals who contracted measles are no longer infectious and have returned to their normal activities.

Currently, Shasta County HHSA Public Health continues to monitor the measles outbreak situation in California and will update the community if there is a new case.

Public Health staff remind everyone that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to protect oneself against measles. It is 93% effective with a single dose and 97% effective with two doses.

If you have symptoms of measles, prevent spreading it to others. DO NOT go directly to a clinic, hospital or out in public. Call your healthcare provider or the emergency room first, so they can be ready for you.

In case of emergency call 911
For exposure guidance, please call Shasta County HHSA Public Health at (530) 225-5591

What is measles?

Some people think of measles as a little rash and a fever that clear up in a few days.
Measles is a very contagious virus.
It lives in the mucus of the nose and throat of an infected person.
Measles can be very dangerous, especially for babies and young children.

Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Common measles symptoms include:

High fever (may spike to more than 104°F)
Cough
Runny nose (coryza)
Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).
Rash

Complications

Measles can lead to serious health issues, especially for kids under 5. Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis.

Measles typically begins with a fever, runny nose, red eyes and cough. Two to three days after symptoms begin, white spots (Koplik spots) may appear in the mouth. In three to five days, the rash appears. The measles rash usually starts out as flat red spots on the face near the hairline and moves down the body. Small, raised bumps may appear on top of the flat, red spots. The fever may spike during this time.

A person sick with measles is contagious for 4 days before and after the rash appears.

Additional images can be found on Skinsight's Measles (Rubeola) webpage. Warning: Some images are graphic. This library includes subject matter that might be unsuitable for children. Viewer discretion is advised.

If you think you or your child may have been exposed to measles, take action right away.

Before going to a health clinic, call your healthcare provider.

Measles is very contagious.
It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
You can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been. This can happen even up to 2 hours after that person has left.

The best way to protect against measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

MMR is safe and effective.
Vaccinate all children against measles.
Two doses of the MMR vaccine are around 97% effective at stopping measles. One dose is about 93% effective.
Prevent measles. Talk to your doctor about the MMR vaccine, especially if you plan to travel.
Isolating and quarantining people who might have measles can lower the risk of spreading it.

Visit our Shasta Shots page for details on immunizations and local services.

Some think vitamin A can fight measles instead of the MMR vaccine. This is not true.

Vitamin A does not prevent measles and cannot replace the MMR vaccine.
In some countries where children do not get enough vitamins, doctors may use vitamin A along with medical care to help very sick children who already have measles.
Taking too much vitamin A can be dangerous and should only be done under a doctor’s care.

Fact Checked: Vitamin A Does Not Prevent Measle, American Academy of Pediatrics