Shasta County Confirms First Measles Case of 2026
Shasta County has confirmed its first case of measles in 2026, marking a significant health concern for the community. The Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) announced this case on January 31. The patient is currently in isolation to prevent further spread of the highly contagious disease.
Status and Investigation
Public health officials are actively investigating this case. They are reaching out to individuals who may have been exposed during the patient’s eight-day contagious period.
Possible Exposure Locations
The following locations were identified as potential exposure sites:
- Osaka Sushi, 1340 Churn Creek Road, Redding: January 23, 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- CrossPointe Church: January 24, 1:45 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Costco, Redding: January 24, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Churn Creek HealthCare Clinic: January 28, 1:45 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Individuals who were present at these locations during the specified times are urged to call the Shasta County Measles hotline at 530-638-5580 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Vaccination Information
Public health officials recommend that those who may have been exposed verify their vaccination status. Receiving two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine offers strong protection against the virus.
The measles vaccine is typically administered at:
- 12 months or older for the first dose
- Before kindergarten for the second dose (or at least one month after the first)
Individuals vaccinated before the 1990s may only have received one dose and are advised to consult their healthcare provider regarding additional vaccinations.
Measles Symptoms and Risks
Symptoms of measles include:
- Rash that usually begins on the face and spreads across the body
- High fever, potentially exceeding 104°F
- Cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes
Measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, particularly in unvaccinated children and vulnerable adults.
Community Guidelines
Shasta HHSA reassured residents that the aforementioned exposure locations are currently safe to visit. They have no ongoing concerns about potential exposures at these sites.
California has experienced an uptick in measles cases, with three confirmed cases reported as of January 26. In 2024, the state documented 15 cases, while 2023 saw four cases.
Conclusion
The Shasta County health authorities continue monitoring the situation closely. They emphasize the importance of vaccination and staying informed to curtail the spread of measles.
