2 measles cases test whether the Bay Area can keep the virus from spreading

"The Bay Area has now recorded two measles cases in the first weeks of 2026 an early test of whether one of the nation's most highly vaccinated regions can keep the virus from gaining ground as the United States approaches the loss of its measles-free status. The latest infection, reported in an unvaccinated person in San Mateo County, has not led to additional cases. Health experts say that's largely because vaccination rates across much of the Bay Area remain high enough to give the highly contagious virus few opportunities to spread."

"Vaccination goes hand in hand with the amount of the disease that's being seen, said Vidya Mony, a pediatric infectious disease physician at Santa Clara Valley Healthcare. More than 2,140 measles cases were confirmed nationwide last year the highest total in decades. California accounted for just 25 of those cases, according to early data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While last year's Bay Area numbers are not yet fully available, cases remain rare locally, health officials said."

"We are very lucky in the Bay Area and California that we have mandates for school entry, Mony said. You create a cocoon effect for everyone around you who can't get vaccinated. It's called herd immunity. That protection is visibl"

The Bay Area recorded two measles cases in early 2026, including one in an unvaccinated person in San Mateo County that did not trigger further infections. High regional vaccination rates are reducing opportunities for the highly contagious virus to spread. Nationwide measles cases exceeded 2,140 last year, the highest in decades, while California reported 25 cases. Local Bay Area cases remain rare. California requires most school-age children to receive two MMR doses, permitting only medical exemptions. School-entry mandates contribute to herd immunity and protect those who cannot be vaccinated. A contagious person visited four Walnut Creek stores without reported onward transmission.

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