A Fresno County resident has contracted measles for the first time since 2023, marking the county’s first case in two years. The patient, an adult male who was not vaccinated against measles, acquired the virus during a recent trip abroad and attended a faith-based convention in Madera County while infectious.
Fresno County Interim Health Officer Dr. Rais Vohra stated that the patient is recovering well at home with proper care and quarantine. Public health officials are now working to trace the patient’s contacts and prevent a larger outbreak.
Measles is highly contagious, causing symptoms such as fever, cough, and conjunctivitis, followed by a characteristic rash. Complications like pneumonia and encephalitis can lead to severe consequences, including death. However, widespread vaccination with the childhood measles-mumps-rubella vaccine offers significant protection against infection.
California has reported five measles cases so far in 2025, including an infant in Orange County who contracted the virus abroad. The state saw 15 cases in 2024 and four in 2023. Experts warn that unvaccinated individuals remain at risk of transmission, particularly during large gatherings.
The US is experiencing a surge in measles outbreaks, with over 200 cases reported this year, mostly in Texas. A baby among those affected has died. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination and long-lasting protection against measles provided by the MMR vaccine.
Source: https://www.kvpr.org/health/2025-03-12/fresno-county-reports-first-measles-case-in-two-years-as-us-caseload-grows