Measles Outbreak Hits Northern California

State and local health officials urge vaccination as cases rise across the state

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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California health officials have reported a new measles outbreak in Shasta County, with 8 of the 17 total cases statewide. All of the Shasta County cases involved unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination history. The state is now urging all Californians to check their vaccination status and get the MMR vaccine to prevent further spread of the highly contagious virus.

Why it matters

Measles outbreaks can have serious public health consequences, especially for unvaccinated children and pregnant women who face the highest risk of severe illness. This outbreak highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

The details

The 8 measles cases in Shasta County are close contacts of the first reported case. The patients have been isolating to prevent further transmission. New cases have also been reported in several other California counties, including some linked to exposures at Disneyland. Health officials are working to notify potentially exposed individuals and urge vaccination.

  • As of Monday, February 11, 2026, Shasta County has reported 8 measles cases.
  • The 17 total measles cases reported statewide are the first in California since 2020.

The players

California Department of Public Health

The state public health agency coordinating the response to the measles outbreak and urging vaccination.

Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency

The local health department reporting the majority of the state's measles cases and working to isolate infected individuals.

Dr. Erica Pan

The CDPH director and state public health officer encouraging families to get the MMR vaccine.

Dr. Olivia Kasirye

The Sacramento County Public Health Officer urging residents to check their vaccination status.

Disneyland Resort

The theme park where two recent measles cases were traced, prompting outreach to potentially exposed employees.

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What they’re saying

“As a pediatrician and parent, I encourage families to make sure everyone gets up to date on their MMR vaccine, if they haven't already.”

— Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer (CDPH Statement)

“Even though we haven't seen local cases, the rise in cases in other counties and recent exposures at large public venues remind us how easily this dangerous virus can spread.”

— Dr. Olivia Kasirye, Sacramento County Public Health Officer (Sacramento County Statement)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This measles outbreak underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect vulnerable populations and prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases, even in an era when they had become rare in California.