By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–San Diego County public health officials are alerting residents to a potential measles exposure at Sharp Memorial Hospital earlier this month.
According to the County, an unvaccinated adult from out of state who later tested positive for measles visited the hospital’s emergency department on Wednesday, March 11, during their infectious period. The individual was evaluated for a fever but did not exhibit other symptoms typically associated with measles at the time.
County staff are working closely with hospital officials to identify and notify patients and employees who may have been exposed and to assess their risk of developing the illness.
No measles cases have been reported in San Diego County so far in 2026. In 2025, the County confirmed one case linked to international travel. Statewide, California has reported 29 confirmed cases as of March 16, while 1,362 cases have been confirmed nationwide as of March 12.
“Measles is extremely contagious and can be spread easily by coughing, sneezing or simply sharing the same air space as an infected person,” said Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan.
Symptoms typically develop seven to 21 days after exposure and begin with fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A red rash usually appears one to four days later, starting on the face and spreading downward. Individuals are considered contagious from four days before to four days after the rash appears.
Infants under 12 months, unvaccinated individuals and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk for severe illness. Health officials also advise travelers to areas where measles is circulating to consult their healthcare provider about early or additional vaccine doses.
“There is no treatment for measles and vaccination is the best protection,” Thihalolipavan said, noting a concerning regional decline in vaccination rates.
Complications from measles can include diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia and, in rare cases, encephalitis or death. Supportive care such as rest, fluids and fever management is recommended.
Officials are urging anyone who received care or accompanied a patient at the emergency department between 11:22 a.m. and 4:35 p.m. that day to contact County Public Health Services at (866) 358-2966 as soon as possible.
