How Merced County residents can protect themselves as measles cases rise in US

Merced County has avoided measles cases so far but with the number of cases on the rise nationwide, local health experts advise getting vaccinated and taking other steps to minimize their risk of contracting the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded a total of 1,319 confirmed cases of measles throughout 40 jurisdictions in the United States this year as of July 22. Of those cases, the CDC said 29 outbreaks of measles have been reported this year alone. An outbreak is defined as three or more related cases. Of the total 1,319 cases, 1,154 cases or 87%, have been determined to be associated with an outbreak, the CDC said. According to the CDC, 165 people have been hospitalized and there have been three confirmed deaths from measles this year.

The last time the country saw a large spike in measles cases was in 1992 when 2,126 cases were reported. Prior to 1992, the largest spike in reported measles cases between 1985 and today was in 1990, with 27,808 cases reported, according to CDC data.

California Department of Public Health data shows that as of July 28, there have been a total of 19 confirmed measles cases throughout the state. Data on the CDPH website indicates the state saw the largest number of cases with an onset of rash occurring in the month of March with six cases reported.

Measles is a contagious viral disease that is spread through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes, said Dr. Ruhel Boparai, Merced County Department of Public Health interim health officer and adult, adolescent and child psychiatrist. Infected persons are considered to be most contagious four days before the onset of a rash and four days after the onset of a rash, health officials said.

Boparai said there have been no cases of measles recorded in Merced County this year, with the last confirmed case in the county occurring in March 2016.

Data available on the CDPH website of confirmed measles cases reported, indicates Fresno is the nearest jurisdiction to Merced County that has reported at least one confirmed measles case this year.

Boparai said the health department continues to monitor CDPH data to track cases.

“The Merced County Department of Public Health remains informed regarding measles cases in neighboring counties by monitoring the California Department of Public Health measles web page, which updates measles activity in California by county on a weekly basis,” Boparai said.

Boparai recommends residents get vaccinated against the measles as she said it is the only proven method to protect against the virus.

Common symptoms of the measles virus include coughing, diarrhea, runny nose, high fever, ear and eye infections, a rash all over the body with some severe symptoms including hearing loss and death, said Boparai.

The effects of the virus on a person’s body can result in the need for hospitalization and lead to pneumonia, encephalitis, complications during pregnancy and even death. Boparai said that in some cases, measles can have a long term impact on the body which may include encephalitis that can occur years later.

While anyone can contract the measles virus, health officials said those who are most at risk of experiencing complications from measles include children age five and younger, adults over the age of 20, pregnant individuals and people with immunocompromised health.

Boparai said Merced County has seen an increase in MMR vaccinations since 2022 and while the county health department does not offer free mobile vaccination clinics, free and low-cost MMR vaccines are available at the department’s clinic located at 260 E. 15th Street in Merced. The clinic operates 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays, and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday , closing for noon-1 p.m. daily for lunch.

California Department of Public Health states that about 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus will become infected. Local health officials urge anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus to isolate and immediately contact their health provider.

The CDC recommends children receive the MMR vaccine or MMRV vaccine, which includes protection against chickenpox, at age 12-15 months and again at age 4-6 years. It is recommended that older children and adults without documented immunity to the virus, receive one or two doses of the MMR vaccine 28 days apart.

Merced County Assistant Health Officer Dr. Ignacio Santana, who specializes in occupational and environmental medicine, advises those born between 1960 and 1965, who may have received a single dose of the MMR vaccine’s predecessor, to consult their doctor regarding updated vaccination. Individuals can verify their vaccination status through their healthcare provider or by accessing the CDPH’s Digital Vaccine Record website.

Merced County continues to monitor measles trends and issues advisories to healthcare providers and the public. More information is available a the Merced County Department of Public Health website, their social media pages or by calling 209-381-1200.

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This story was originally published August 1, 2025 at 11:31 AM.