Overview: Measles cases have increased significantly in the US over the last few years due to dropped vaccination rates among children. As of February 9, there have been 17 measles cases reported throughout California, with 920 reported cases in South Carolina. The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health has reported the first confirmed positive measles case in the county since 2023, involving an unvaccinated minor who visited a Walmart Supercenter.
Breanna Reeves
Once declared eliminated by the U.S. in 2000, measles cases have significantly increased over the last several years as vaccination rates among children have dropped. On Feb. 6, San Bernardino County Department of Public Health reported the first confirmed positive measles case in the county since 2023.
As of Feb. 9, there have been a total of 17 measles cases reported throughout the state. Other states such as South Carolina are experiencing some of the largest outbreaks in decades, with 920 reported measles cases.
“Vaccines are our best defense against infectious diseases, protecting both individuals and the wider community,” stated Dr. Sharon Wang, San Bernardino County health officer. “Staying healthy and staying up to date with vaccinations is a key step in safeguarding public health and saving lives.”
In San Bernardino County, the confirmed measles case involves an unvaccinated minor who was visiting California from another state. According to the Department of Public Health, while the minor was infectious (Jan. 26 through Feb. 3, 2026), the individual visited Walmart Supercenter, located at 1333 N. Mountain Ave., Ontario on Jan. 29, 2026, between noon and 3 p.m.
The Department noted in a press release that people who were at the Walmart during the identified timeframe may be at risk of developing measles, especially if unvaccinated, immunocompromised or pregnant.
Measles is a very contagious virus that is spread through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. Symptoms can develop seven to 21 days after being exposed and can begin with fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. Within a few days of having measles, a red rash appears, starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. Individuals with measles can be contagious four days before the onset of a rash and four days after, according to the Department.
“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,” stated Dr. Erica Pan, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) director and state public health officer. “CDPH continues to coordinate with, and support, local health departments in their responses to stop measles from spreading further in our communities. The United States is experiencing the highest numbers of measles cases, outbreaks, hospitalizations and deaths in more than 30 years, driven by populations with low vaccination rates.”
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), as of Feb. 5, 2026, 733 confirmed measles cases were reported in the United States in 2026. Among these, 727 measles cases were reported by 20 jurisdictions: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. The other 6 cases were reported from international travelers.
Among the 2026 cases, 95% of the cases are those whose vaccination status is unvaccinated or unknown. Among the cases, 28% percent are children under five years old and 57% are among those ages five to 19.
San Bernardino County Public Health Department noted in its press statement that children should receive two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, with the first dose given at 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Children over six months of age, but under 12 months may receive an early dose if traveling to areas with increased measles activity. Teens and adults who do not have documented MMR vaccinations should also get vaccinated.