County Health Officials Report Two More Measles Cases In Western Riverside County

Two more people in Western Riverside County have tested positive for measles, according to local health officials.

The new cases—one adult and one child—appear to be connected to the first case reported earlier this year, according to Riverside University Health System — Public Health. That brings the county's total to three confirmed measles cases for 2026.

The child was not vaccinated. The adult told health officials they had been vaccinated. Both are recovering at home.

"These additional cases of measles underscore the disease's highly contagious nature," said Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky.

Measles is airborne. Health officials say that if an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours—even after they've left the room.

The numbers are stark: up to 90% of non-immune people who come in close contact with someone who has measles will catch it.

The initial patient was a non-vaccinated child in Western Riverside County who tested positive last month. 

"The risk of measles is no longer remote," Dr. Chevinsky said when that case was announced. "It's now also impacting us here in our own county."

Where to Get Vaccinated

Health officials advised the public to check and get up to date on measles vaccinations, especially before traveling internationally or visiting a large public space like a theme park or airport. 

For clinic locations and questions, visit ruhealth.org/vaccineclinics.