First Measles Case Confirmed In Riverside County In 7 Years

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA—An eastern Riverside County resident has tested positive for measles, according to health officials with Riverside University Health System—Public Health department.

This is the first confirmed case of measles in Riverside County since 2018.

Patch was told that the adult male, who has a recent international travel history, lives in eastern Riverside County in Coachella Valley and is recovering at home.

RUHS Disease Control Director Barbara Cole says the man was not considered to be infected at the time of travel.

The health agency could not immediately confirm whether he had been vaccinated for the measles.

According to the California Department of Public Health, this is the ninth confirmed measles case in the state.

The remaining eight cases were found in Fresno, Los Angeles, Orange, Placer, San Mateo, and Tuolumne counties. Recent international travel and attention to vaccination and prevention have been important risk factors in the 2025 California measles cases.

"Those who travel internationally to areas with ongoing measles transmission may be at risk for exposure," Chevinsky said. "It’s important to check and make sure you are up to date on your vaccines, at least two weeks prior to international travel."

Vaccination Is Key In Measles Prevention: RUHS

According to a recent news release from the RUHS, vaccination and prevention are key to controlling the spread of the highly contagious measles virus.

Vaccination with one dose of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is recommended as an early dose for infants as young as 6 months old prior to international travel to reduce the risk of contracting measles while in countries where measles is spreading.

For standard measles protection for children, one dose of MMR vaccine should be given at 12 months of age and another at 4 to 6 years.

For older children, adolescents, and most adults without documented doses of MMR vaccine, two doses separated by at least 28 days should be given to provide protection.

However, for adults born after 1957, one dose of live measles vaccine is sufficient to consider yourself "protected from measles."

All adults in a setting that poses a higher risk for measles transmission (e.g., healthcare providers, people traveling to areas with measles) should ensure they have had two doses separated by at least 28 days.

Patch spoke with RUHS Disease Control Director Barbara Cole regarding the importance of vaccinations.

"Even though you meet the above criteria of a previously vaccinated person, if you have underlying health issues that may affect your protection," she said. "Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific health needs."

Signs And Symptoms Of The Measles

Measles is highly infectious and can be spread through the air via droplets when a person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes.

The CDC recommends travelers monitor their health for signs and symptoms for three weeks after they return home. Those who develop symptoms, or believe they may have been exposed to measles, are urged to contact their health provider.

"As measles cases continue to occur nationwide, it's important to remain proactive to identify signs of illness, particularly when coming back from international travel, in order to promptly diagnose measles and prevent additional exposures," Chevinsky said.

Symptoms are typically observed 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. The most visible symptom is a prominent rash.

Measles typically begins with a fever that lasts a couple of days, followed by symptoms such as runny nose, cough, conjunctivitis (pink eye) and rash, according to the RUHS statement.

The earliest symptoms usually last four to seven days.

The rash usually appears first on the face, along the hairline, and behind the ears. It then spreads to the rest of the body. Those infected can spread measles about four days before their rash starts and four days afterward.

Given the risk of rapid disease spread, early identification of illness and staying home while sick is a best practice. This helps protect young children under 6 months of age who are too young to be vaccinated, pregnant women who are at risk for severe disease, and those who have immunocompromising conditions.

To get vaccinated, talk to your healthcare provider or visit one of Public Health’s upcoming vaccine clinics. All clinics accept walk-in appointments. Cost and eligibility vary. For questions and clinic locations, please call (951) 358-7125 or visit www.ruhealth.org/vaccineclinics
You can also check for recommended vaccines prior to travel here.

Learn more about measles here.