TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — The Tulare County Public Health Department has confirmed two cases of measles. Health officials say both cases were in children who were unvaccinated.
“These patients did receive medical care, and we have received reports that they are doing well. Public health was alerted, and we are actively working to contact and trace other potential exposures, determining if those exposed were vaccinated for the disease and also evaluating their potential for developing and spreading the disease,” says Dr. Asma Tarik, with the Tulare County Public Health.
Both children were exposed while traveling outside of California.
Tulare County Public Health says these are the first two cases in the county this year.
“The most important thing to know is this, there is no specific treatment for measles, but measles can be prevented and MMR vaccination is the best and most effective method,” mentions Dr. Asma Tarik.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 29 outbreaks reported in 2025. With over 1,300 confirmed cases, that’s an increase compared to 2024.
“It’s airborne, it’s extremely contagious, and as per statistics, one person with measles can spread it to 18 people, so that gives you an idea of how contagious it can be. So there is an isolation we recommend for everyone suffering from measles and who have that infection,” explains Resident Doctor Monika Multani, with Adventist Health in Tulare.
Although about 13% of cases have led to hospitalization in 2025.
Measles has claimed the lives of three people in the US this year, according to the CDC.
Doctors say prevention is key.
And knowing the symptoms can help stop the spread.
“It’s gonna resemble any viral illness like any flu-like symptons, so they would get fever, chills, myalgia, or muscle pains. They will feel really lethargic, tired throughout the day, there could be coughs sometimes, they could get rashes inside their mouth as well,” says Dr. Monika Multani.
If you believe you have been exposed and are experiencing symptoms of measles, doctors say you should call your health care provider before going in person to help prevent any potential spread.
For more information on the virus, click here.
