Get Immediate Care

Visit a Desert Oasis Healthcare Immediate Care location near you OR call 760-969-6560 for PHARM help if you are experiencing Measles Symptoms. 

Current Measles Activity

Desert Oasis Healthcare is closely monitoring measles activity in coordination with local and state health officials. Vaccination remains the most effective defense against measles. If you have questions about your immunity or vaccination status, please contact your provider or pharmacy team.

Riverside County

So far there have been 3 confirmed epidemiologically linked measles cases in Western Riverside County. We encourage you to check with your local health authorities for the most up to date information regarding any health alerts.

Nationally

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports measles activity in 2026 that is currently trending higher than this time last year.

What Is Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.

It can lead to serious complications including:

    • Pneumonia
    • Brain Swelling
    • Hospitalization
    • In rare cases death

What are the Symptoms?

Symptoms typically appear 7–14 days after exposure and may include:

    • High Fever (may exceed 104)
    • Cough
    • Runny Nose
    • Red, watery eyes
    • White spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
    • A red rash that usually starts on the face and spreads downward

How Is Measles Spread?

Measles spreads through:

  • Airborne respiratory droplets

  • Direct contact with nasal or throat secretions

  • Being in the same room with an infected person (even after they leave)

Measles is so contagious that 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people exposed will become infected.

Who Is Most at Risk?

  • Unvaccinated individuals

  • Children under 5

  • Adults over 20 who are unvaccinated

  • Pregnant women

  • Individuals with weakened immune systems

Recent data shows the highest positivity rates among individuals under age 20, with over 90% of cases occurring in unvaccinated or vaccination-unknown individuals.

How Do Vaccines Prevent Measles?

The MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine works by helping your immune system develop protective antibodies against the virus.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine are:

  • 97% effective at preventing measles

  • Long-lasting and highly protective

Vaccination not only protects you — it protects infants, seniors, and immunocompromised individuals in our community.

If You Were Vaccinated Years Ago — Are You Still Protected?

In most cases, yes.

  • If you received two doses of MMR, you are considered protected for life.

  • Adults vaccinated between 1963–1967 may have received an older formulation; speak with your provider if unsure.

  • If you were born before 1957, you are generally considered immune due to prior exposure.

If you are uncertain about your vaccination status, a blood test (titer) can check immunity.