Photo shows the rash caused by measles on the back of a young child. Photo courtesy Mayo Clinic
The new County Health Director is dealing with her first measles case, after someone tested positive for the virus-caused illness.
SLO County Director of Public Health, Suzanne Jed, MSN, RN, who was just hired Aug. 2, announced the measles case on Oct. 8.
“The County of San Luis Obispo Department of Public Health yesterday confirmed the first case of measles in San Luis Obispo County in 2026,” reads a news release, “through laboratory testing. Public Health is working with the individual and their healthcare providers to identify and notify people who may have been exposed.”
Measles is a highly contagious, serious respiratory disease caused by the Rubeola Virus.” Anyone who isn’t vaccinated against measles — which is normally done as a child — stands a 90% chance of contracting the virus if exposed.
Jed said there are two potential places they’ve identified as locations where people might have been exposed to this first patient:
• Family Industrial Medical Center: Oct. 5 between 8:30–10:30 a.m. and Oct. 6 from 12:30–3 p.m.; and,
• Arroyo Grande Community Hospital (Emergency Room) Oct. 7 from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“If you were at any of these locations during the dates and times listed,” the release said, “you may have been exposed to measles and could develop symptoms 7 to 21-days after exposure.
People who know they’ve been vaccinated against measles shouldn’t be too concerned, however, “People who are not vaccinated or are unsure if they have received the measles vaccine are at higher risk and should watch closely for symptoms and call the Department of Public Health at 805-781-5500.
“People who were exposed, are older than 6 months, and have records showing only one dose or no doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine can get an MMR vaccine to lower their risk of developing measles.”
After 21-days without symptoms, you are likely in the clear but should still look out for symptoms, which include:
• High fever, which can spike above 104°F to 105°F;
• Cough and runny nose;
• Red, watery eyes;
• Koplik spots — tiny white spots that may appear inside the mouth; and,
• Blotchy red or brown rash that usually starts on the face and spreads downward to the rest of the body a few days after initial symptoms begin.
Most people who contract measles recover but the disease can cause serious ill effects, particularly in young children under-5, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include:
• Pneumonia and severe lung infections;
• Encephalitis or swelling of the brain;
• Ear infections and severe dehydration; and,
• Pregnancy risks, including pre-term birth or miscarriage.
Measles cases happen every year to varying degrees and there have been thousands this year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control: “As of Oct. 8, 4,080 confirmed measles cases were reported in the U.S. in 2026. Among these, 4,062 measles cases were reported by 47 jurisdictions: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. A total of 18 measles cases were reported among international visitors to the U.S.”
In 2025, there were 2,289 confirmed measles cases, according to the CDC.
In California, the Department of Public Health on Sept. 18 issued a warning about potential exposure from a train passenger.
“An unvaccinated passenger who traveled across the United States on Amtrak,” reads a CDPH notice, “including through California, traveled by trains and thruway buses with transfers in at least six California counties (Alameda, Butte, Kern, Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Joaquin). CDPH is working with federal partners and local health officials to notify people who may have been exposed. With this news, and with measles spreading in other parts of the United States and the world, CDPH urges Californians to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles.”
Avoiding exposure is hard to do, as the virus travels through the air and sticks around for a long time. “Measles is spread through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes,” SLO County Public Health said. “The virus can remain in the air for up to 1 hour after an infected person has left an area.”
So far, it’s been a single, isolated case that they’ve discovered. “At this time, no additional cases have been identified. Staff from Public Health are investigating the case and exposure sites to identify contacts. The individual is recovering at home and is receiving medical care.”
“Measles is extremely contagious, but it is also preventable with vaccination,” said Interim County Health Officer Dr. Rick Rosen. “We encourage community members to be aware of these potential exposures and make sure they are up to date on measles vaccinations, which provide strong protection against infection.
“Anyone who may have been exposed should watch for symptoms and contact their healthcare provider if symptoms develop, letting them know about the possible measles exposure. Our Public Health team is actively investigating the case and contacting people who may have been exposed.”
“Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family and people in our community who may be especially vulnerable to serious illness,” Dr. Rosen said.
For more information about measles and vaccination, see the California Department of Public Health’s measles information page at: www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/measles.
