A person with Measles (Photo – rush.edu)
The Los Angeles County Health Department is investigating a confirmed case of measles in a local resident who recently returned from international travel.
By News Desk
Health officials have identified multiple public locations in Santa Clarita and Stevenson Ranch where individuals may have been exposed to the virus and are urging those who visited these sites to review their immunization status immediately.
The infected individual visited the following locations on May 28, 2025:
- Costco, 18659 Via Princessa, Santa Clarita, CA — 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Trader Joe’s, 19037 Golden Valley Rd., Santa Clarita, CA — 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
- Walmart, 25450 The Old Rd., Stevenson Ranch, CA — 3:15 PM to 4:45 PM
People who were present at any of these sites during the specified times may be at risk of developing measles from June 4 to June 18, 2025, the period when symptoms could appear.
The health department is particularly concerned about individuals who are not vaccinated or do not know their vaccination status. Measles is highly contagious and can cause severe illness, especially in young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
Measles symptoms
Measles symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that starts on the face and spreads downward. The virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for hours after an infected person leaves the area.
This marks the second measles case in Los Angeles County this year. Nationally, 1,088 cases have been reported in 2025, with most linked to outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Alarmingly, 12% of cases have required hospitalization, and three people have died.
The MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine is safe, effective, and widely available. Two doses are 97% effective in preventing measles. Health officials recommend that all residents verify their vaccination status, especially before traveling.
What To Do If You May Have Been Exposed
- Check your immunization records to see if you have received the MMR vaccine or had measles in the past.
- Contact your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, immunocompromised, or unsure of your vaccination history.
- Monitor for symptoms through June 18, 2025. If symptoms develop, stay home and contact a healthcare provider before visiting any medical facility.
Uninsured or underinsured individuals can access free or low-cost vaccines through county clinics. Call 2-1-1 or visit publichealth.lacounty.gov/ip/clinics.htm for more information.
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