Orange County Reports New Measles Case Involving Toddler

Officials say the toddler had not traveled and was not publicly exposed to the virus.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 2:15pm

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Orange County health officials have reported another measles case, this time involving a toddler. The earlier case involved a young adult who had traveled internationally before contracting the virus. Potential exposure locations and times have been identified, and officials are urging vaccination as the best protection against the highly contagious virus.

Why it matters

Measles outbreaks continue to occur across the country and worldwide, posing a risk to unvaccinated individuals. This latest case in Orange County highlights the ongoing need for vaccination, especially among those planning domestic or international travel.

The details

The toddler with the new measles case does not appear to have been publicly exposed to the virus and had not traveled prior to becoming infected. The earlier case involved a young adult who had traveled internationally before contracting the virus. Potential exposure locations and times have been identified, including the EoS Gym in Ladera Ranch and the AFC Urgent Care in Ladera Ranch.

  • On Friday, January 31, 2026, Orange County health officials reported the new measles case involving a toddler.
  • The earlier measles case involved a young adult who had traveled internationally before contracting the virus.

The players

Orange County health officials

The local health authorities who reported the new measles case and provided information about potential exposure locations and times.

Dr. Anissa Davis

The deputy county health officer who urged vaccination as the best protection against the highly contagious measles virus.

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What they’re saying

“Anyone planning domestic or international travel -- or hosting visitors -- should be fully vaccinated at least two weeks beforehand. Adults and others who are not immune remain at risk, especially as outbreaks continue across the country and worldwide. Vaccination is the best protection.”

— Dr. Anissa Davis, Deputy County Health Officer (nbclosangeles.com)

What’s next

Health officials are continuing to monitor the situation and urge residents to get vaccinated against measles, especially before any domestic or international travel.

The takeaway

This latest measles case in Orange County underscores the ongoing need for vaccination, as outbreaks continue to occur across the country and worldwide. Vaccination remains the best protection against this highly contagious virus, particularly for those planning travel or hosting visitors.