Placer County Public Health reports 3 confirmed measles cases, fourth suspected case
By Jonathan Ayestas
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AUBURN, Calif. (KCRA) — Placer County officials on Monday reported three confirmed measles and a suspected fourth case.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread through the air or when touching a contaminated surface. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows there have been more than 1,130 confirmed cases across 28 states this year as of Feb. 26.
Placer County Public Health reports that its outbreak is tied to a family member who had recently traveled to South Carolina, which accounts for more than half of the cases so far this year. All three confirmed cases are teenagers from a single family home. The fourth suspected case is also a family member.
Their vaccination statuses are not confirmed, but Placer County said they are all recovering.
A child in the family was not present during the period of infection, and Placer County said it believes there were no school exposures and no public exposure risk tied to this outbreak.
“We believe the risk to the general public remains low, as this outbreak appears to be contained within an extended family,” said Placer County Health Officer Dr. Rob Oldham. “Nonetheless, it’s a good reminder to take proactive steps, especially when traveling to states or countries with active measles spread.”
Placer County said up to 90 percent of people without immunity who are exposed to measles will become ill.
The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth can also spread infection.
Earlier this month, California had its first measles outbreak since 2020 after eight cases were confirmed in Shasta County.
In 2025, there were 2,281 confirmed measles cases in the country, the CDC reports.
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