Health officials across Southern California have reported three confirmed measles cases in Los Angeles County, with one exposure at the Disneyland Resort, which they say was traced to international travelers in late January.
The string of cases is the first measles infections reported in the region this year and comes as the nation grapples with its highest January case count since achieving measles elimination status in 2000, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
All three L.A. County cases involve people who had recently traveled abroad, and none are connected to one another, the health department said Feb. 2.
The second confirmed case was announced on Jan. 31, in which health officials said a traveler arrived at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at the Tom Bradley International Terminal B, gate 201A, on Jan. 26.
Anyone who was at Terminal B between 10:45 p.m. on Jan. 26 and 1 a.m. on Jan. 27 may have been exposed to the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with local health departments to notify passengers seated near the person who was infected.
That same traveler later visited Orange County's Disneyland Resort on Jan. 28, which resulted in a separate alert from the OC Health Care Agency.
On Jan. 30, the traveler visited a Dunkin' Donuts at 22020 Ventura Blvd. in Woodland Hills between 3 p.m. and 4:45 p.m., resulting in another potential exposure site.
A third case, reported Feb. 2, involves an L.A. County resident infected with measles who dined at the Mardi Gras Tuesday restaurant at 14543 Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks on Jan. 24 between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
"Measles doesn't only affect people who travel internationally—everyone is at risk if they're not protected," said Dr. Anissa Davis, Orange County's Deputy County Health Officer. "Because measles is highly contagious, it can spread quickly within communities, even among those who haven't traveled."
As of Jan. 30, the CDC had recorded 588 measles cases nationwide—the highest January total in more than two decades. By comparison, 2025 saw 2,267 cases for the entire year—the highest annual count in over 30 years.
Most current cases are tied to ongoing outbreaks in South Carolina and a separate cluster involving Arizona and Utah. The majority of those infected were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status, with 3 percent requiring hospitalization.
Health officials also warned travelers to be careful before visiting Mexico, where nearly 8,000 measles cases have been reported in an ongoing outbreak.
"Measles is extremely contagious and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death," Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said. "With cases rising, it is critical that everyone ensures they are protected. The MMR vaccine remains the strongest and most effective way to protect yourself, your family, and your community."
The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is 97 percent effective after two doses and 93 percent effective after one dose, officials note. Children 12 months and older need two doses for full protection, while infants 6 months and older traveling to somewhere with a known outbreak can receive an early dose.
Measles spreads through the air when someone infected breathes, coughs, or sneezes, and the virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for hours. Symptoms—including fever above 101°F, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash—can appear 7–21 days after exposure.
Those potentially exposed should monitor for symptoms through the following dates: Feb. 16 for LAX exposure, Feb. 20 for Dunkin' Donuts, Feb. 18 for Disneyland locations, and Feb. 14 for Mardi Gras Tuesday.