Health Officials Report Localized Measles Outbreak in Western Riverside County
Friday, February 13, 2026
Health Officials Report Localized Measles Outbreak in Western Riverside County
RIVERSIDE, CA (Feb. 13, 2026) - An additional Western Riverside County adult and child with possible links to the first case have tested positive for measles, according to public health officials with Riverside University Health System — Public Health (RUHS - PH). This marks a localized outbreak of three total confirmed cases of measles in Riverside County for 2026.
The adult provided a verbal report of vaccination for measles; the child was not vaccinated. Both are recovering in their respective homes.
"These additional cases of measles underscore the disease’s highly contagious nature,” said Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing.
If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses or mouths, they can become infected.
Measles can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area.
If someone has measles, up to 90% of the people close to them, who are not immune, will also become infected.
Additionally, some vaccinated individuals may still get measles if they are exposed or have prolonged, close contact with someone infected with the virus. This can occur if their immune system’s ability to fight infection has decreased over time or doesn’t respond to the vaccine as it should. Disease symptoms are generally milder in vaccinated people.
“Now is the perfect time to make sure you and your family are vaccinated against measles,” said Dr. Chevinsky.
It’s particularly important that families are up to date on all vaccines before traveling, including international travel and travel to domestic areas where there are measles outbreaks. It is also important to be up to date before visiting places or events where there are many people from other countries or regions of the United States, such as large sporting events, theme parks or airports.
If you’re unsure of your vaccination status, you can check out CA Digital Vaccine Record (DVR) or ask your healthcare provider. If no records exist, getting vaccinated is highly recommended.
To get vaccinated, talk to your healthcare provider or visit one of Public Health’s upcoming vaccine clinics. All clinics accept walk-in appointments. Cost and eligibility vary. For questions and clinic locations, please call (951) 358-7125 or visit www.ruhealth.org/vaccineclinics
Learn more about measles here.
