An infant who recently traveled overseas has tested positive for measles, Orange County health officials confirmed Thursday, marking the county's third reported infection this year. The OC Health Care Agency says it has been reaching out to people who may have been exposed in health-care settings and other public locations. Officials warn that infants, pregnant people and anyone without immunity face the highest risk of severe illness.
County confirms infant case
The OC Health Care Agency confirmed the infant's measles diagnosis and said it moved quickly to notify people who might have been exposed, according to NBC Los Angeles. County officials did not release the infant's travel destination or a full list of potential exposure sites.
What officials are advising
Deputy County Health Officer Anissa Davis is urging both travelers and the people who host them to get fully vaccinated at least two weeks before departure, and she notes that infants under 12 months who are heading abroad should receive an early MMR dose, according to the OC Health Care Agency. The agency is also asking anyone who thinks they might have measles to call their medical provider before showing up so clinics can take steps to protect other patients and staff.
State and national context
According to the CDC, 1,792 confirmed measles cases had been reported in the United States as of April 23, 2026, following 2,267 cases in 2025, a clear sign the virus is making an unwelcome comeback. The Los Angeles Times reports that California has logged its highest measles numbers in years and that earlier travel-linked exposures, including those tied to theme-park visits, show how quickly the virus can spread through crowded spaces.
How to protect your family
Health officials continue to stress that vaccination is the strongest defense. The routine two-dose MMR series offers solid protection, and an early dose can be given to infants who are traveling internationally. The county is asking the public to report suspected cases to the OC Health Care Agency and to call a medical provider for testing and next steps. A recent Hoodline report on a child who later developed a fatal measles-linked brain disease underscores just how serious and sometimes delayed the complications of infection can be.
