Two measles cases have been confirmed in Tuolumne County, California, prompting health officials to warn of possible exposure at multiple public locations including a high school and hospital emergency room.
The Tuolumne County Public Health Department announced Wednesday that an adult and child under 18 from the same household tested positive for the highly contagious disease following international travel. Their vaccination status remains unknown.
Health officials identified several potential exposure sites and dates:
- Summerville High School on March 10-11
- Adventist Health Sonora Emergency Department on March 15-16
- Sonora Sports and Fitness Center's back facilities on March 10 between 3-7 PM
"The investigation is still ongoing, and we will provide updates as they are available," said Michelle Jachetta, the county's public health director.
The cases emerge amid concerning vaccination rates in Tuolumne County, where only 89.8% of kindergarten students are fully immunized compared to the state average of 93.7%. For measles specifically, 93.1% of local kindergartners received both recommended doses - below the 96.2% state average and the 95% threshold considered necessary for effective disease prevention.
These cases add to California's total of eight confirmed measles infections this year. Nationally, over 300 cases have been reported across 15 states in 2024, with most stemming from an outbreak in Texas that resulted in one death.
Summerville Union High School District Superintendent Michael Merrill stated the school is working with health officials to identify any risks to its 430-student population.
Public health experts warn that even small decreases in vaccination rates can create opportunities for disease spread, particularly as vaccine hesitancy has increased in recent years.