Measles
As of March 11, 2025, The Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) reported its first measles case of the year in a Fresno county unvaccinated resident following international travel. The FCDPH is notifying residents to take precautions when traveling. Residents should make sure they are up to date on their Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations, especially before traveling to endemic places with measles cases. If traveling with young children, parents should check with pediatricians to make sure they are up to date with their vaccines.
What is Measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads from person-to-person. A person with measles can spread the disease to others even before they have any symptoms. Most people who have not been immunized against measles will get it if they have contact with the virus.
Measles is spread through a cough or sneeze by a person with measles and can still infect others 2 hours after the infected person has left a room. Persons with measles are contagious from 4 days before until 4 days after the rash appears. The incubation period for developing measles is up to 21 days after being exposed to someone else who has the disease.
Symptoms
Signs of the disease include but are not limited to:
- High Fever (over 101°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red watery eyes
- A rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
If you think that you or someone in your family has measles or has been exposed to measles, contact your doctor's office right away. Let them know you might have measles before you go in, so they can take steps to prevent other patients and staff from being exposed.
Prevention
The best way to keep from getting and spreading measles is to get the MMR immunization. Measles immunization is available at your doctor’s office, local pharmacy or health clinic. The Fresno County Department of Public Health - Immunization Clinic offers no or low-cost immunizations for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured.
The Fresno County Rural Mobile Health (RMH) Program also offers MMR immunizations at no-cost to people living in the rural areas of Fresno County. Please visit the RMH program website to view the monthly calendar of upcoming RMH mobile clinics. Fresno County Rural Mobile Health (RMH) Program - County of Fresno.
Medical Providers
CDC Health Alert
Measles Health Advisory 3/11/2025 (PDF, 259KB)
MMR Vaccination Recommendations (PDF, 167KB)
Current Fresno County Public Health Efforts
- Strongly advising unvaccinated individuals to receive the measles vaccine (MMR)
- Educating providers on how to screen for measles
- Investigating suspect cases
- Identifying potential contacts and areas where the public may have been exposed to an active measles case
- Responding to media requests to notify the public on measles updates