California Faces Rising Measles Surge Across Kids and Young Adults

Measles cases in California have more than doubled to 52 in the first half of 2026, with most patients unvaccinated or of unknown vaccination status, including many children and young adults; several infant cases linked to international travel have been reported. Exposures at Los Angeles International Airport tied to flights from Cancún and London illustrate how travel fuels spread. Four people have been hospitalized. Nationally, cases are rising toward the highest levels since the late 1980s. Health officials urge MMR vaccination and advise early protection for travelers’ infants, plus monitoring for symptoms 7–21 days after exposure.