Two additional measles cases were recorded by theSacramento County Department of Public Health, bringing the total cases to five in the county's outbreak.
Both cases occurred in unvaccinated children. It's unclear when or where these children were exposed to the disease, but county health officials confirmed that both children are "in isolation and are recovering."
“The continued identification of measles cases in our community is concerning and underscores how quickly this disease can spread,” saidDr. Olivia Kasirye, Sacramento County public health officer, in a press release.
“Measles can cause serious illness but it’s important to remember these cases are preventable. Vaccination is the most important step people can take right now to protect themselves and others.”
Last month, county health officials determined there was an outbreak in thegreater Sacramento area, which includes Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado and Yolo counties, after an unvaccinated toddler contracted the virus while traveling through South Carolina.
After returning to California, three kids in Placer County came in contact with the toddler and transmitted the disease. In March, the health department recorded two additional cases in the same community. In one case, a child contracted the disease at an educational program where there were at least 130 children present.
Within the greater Sacramento area, officials have confirmed at least eight measles cases.
Last month,California's Department of Public Health urged residents to check their immunization statusand get vaccinated against measles after it was determined that cases are on the rise across the state.
Where have cases been reported?
As of March 30, local public health departments have identified 34 measles cases in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Sacramento, Placer and Shasta counties.
Nine cases were linked to exposure in Southern California, possibly at Disneyland in Anaheim and at Los Angeles International Airport as people were traveling on Jan. 22 and 28, California Department of Public Health officials said on Feb. 3.
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The disease is breaking out across the nation as South Carolina is experiencing one of the largest outbreaks in over 30 years, with nearly 990 associated cases reported as of April 2026.
"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," Erica Pan, California Department of public health director and state public health officer in a February press release "We all need to work together to share the medical evidence, benefits, and safety of vaccines to provide families the information they need to protect children and our communities."
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles typically begins with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, usually about seven to 14 days after exposure but can occur up to 21 days after contact with an infected person, according to the California Department of Public Health. The fever can reach 105 degrees.
Tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin, according to the California Department of Public Health. A rash can form on the hairline and face two to four days after symptoms first appear.
The rash then spreads down the back and torso and extends into the arms, hands, legs and feet, according to the California Department of Public Health. After about five days, the rash fades in the same order in which it appeared.
"The MMR vaccine provides the best protection against disease and serious illness," according to the California Department of Public Health.
The department recommends families avoid hosting or attending holiday gatherings, birthday parties, group gatherings, faith-based services and school if they believe their child is sick.
Officials are also recommending that families returning home after traveling to an area experiencing a measles outbreak should monitor for symptoms and limit contact with others.
If an individual believes they or a family member may have been exposed to the disease, they should contact their family's health care provider or the local health department.
Noe Padilla is a Northern California Reporter for USA Today. Contact him atnpadilla@usatodayco.com, follow him on X @1NoePadillaor on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social.Sign up for theTODAY Californian newsletteror follow us on Facebook atTODAY Californian.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Sacramento County confirms 2 additional measles cases in the region