The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has confirmed the first reported case of measles in Long Beach since 2019.
The measles virus was found in a local pediatric resident who recently returned from international travel. The individual has since recovered at home and currently risk of local transmission is considered low, with no further cases having been identified as of June 18.
As of June 16, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has confirmed 16 cases of measles in California during 2025, with three cases being reported this month. Prior to the confirmed case in Long Beach, four measles cases had been reported in Los Angeles County, all of which involved individuals who had recently traveled.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air by way of coughing, sneezing or being in a room with an infected person, even up to one hour after they have left the area. Symptoms can include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes and a rash that commonly begins on the face and spreads downard.
Most people with measles recover within two weeks after catching the virus, but it can lead to serious complications, particularly for infants, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems. Complications can include pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis) or death. Since there is no specific treatment for measles, medical care for this virus focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications.
The Health Department is currently identifying potential exposure locations, notifying people who may have been exposed, and coordinating with Long Beach Medical Center and other healthcare providers to increase awareness of measles symptoms and vaccination recommendations. In addition, the department is pursuing case investigation, laboratory testing and outreach to local healthcare providers, plus its Communicable Disease and Emergency Response Bureau has been activated to bolster the ongoing coordination and surveillance.
Potential Exposure Location:
The individual with measles visited the Long Beach Medical Center Emergency Department (2801 Atlantic Ave.) while infectious on the following dates and times:
- 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4
- 6:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, June 6
Anyone who was at the potential exposure location during the times listed above is advised to check their vaccination status for measles. Those who are not fully vaccinated with two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, or aren’t certain about their vaccination status, are encouraged to monitor for symptoms through June 27.
If symptoms develop, individuals are urged to stay at home and immediately call their health care provider for guidance. Symptoms may appear between 7 and 21 days after exposure and after that date, there is no risk of becoming ill from this exposure.
Vaccination Guidance
The MMR vaccine is a safe and highly effective prevention measure. According to the Health Department, two doses are about 97% effective, and one dose grants approximately 93% protection. Residents are advised to have up-to-date vaccinations, especially ahead of summer travel.
The Health Department’s recommended actions for residents are:
- Children receive the first dose at 12-15 months old and the second at 4–6 years old.
- Anyone born after 1957 who has not been vaccinated or is unsure of their status should receive the MMR vaccine.
- Take these actions prior to international travel:
- Babies 6–11 months old should receive one dose of the MMR vaccine.
- Ensure everyone 12 months and older are up to date with two doses of the MMR vaccine. If they’re not up to date, they should get two doses at least 28 days apart.
MMR vaccines are available through healthcare providers, pharmacies and the Health Department’s Immunization Clinic. Most insurance plans cover the vaccine, but uninsured or underinsured residents can access free or low-cost vaccination through state programs.
To learn more about measles and to explore local resources, visit longbeach.gov/measles or call the public information line at 562-570-7907.
What You Can Do:
- Make an appointment: The Long Beach Health Department’s Immunization Clinic offers MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) and MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella) vaccines for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 2525 Grand Ave. in Room 145. Appointments can be made via myturn.ca.gov. To learn more about the clinic’s vaccination services, call (562) 570-7912
- Call: Long Beach Medical Center at 562-933-2000 and Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center at 562-491-9000 to explore other local measles vaccination options.
