News Summary
San Diego County public health officials have reported the first case of measles in 2025, involving an unvaccinated teenager who recently traveled internationally. This raises concerns about the importation of the contagious virus, as authorities work to manage potential exposures. The outbreak highlights a broader trend in California and the U.S. amid rising measles cases. Health officials urge vaccinations and caution for those experiencing symptoms to contact healthcare providers without visiting hospitals directly, ensuring community safety amid ongoing risks.
San Diego County, CA – San Diego County public health officials have confirmed the first case of measles in 2025. The infected individual is an unvaccinated teenager who recently returned from international travel. This incident raises concerns about the importation of the highly contagious virus as health authorities work swiftly to manage potential exposure and protect the local community.
As of August 4, California has reported a total of 19 measles cases in 2025. Last year, the county saw four confirmed cases of measles, all of which were related to international travel. The situation reflects a wider trend as the U.S. has recorded 1,359 confirmed measles cases as of August 6, 2025, underscoring the ongoing risk associated with this preventable disease.
The teenager may have exposed others during visits to Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines Urgent Care and Rady Children’s Emergency Department on August 6 and August 6-7, respectively. In response to this potential exposure, health officials are collaborating with these healthcare facilities to identify and contact patients and staff who may have been in close proximity to the infected individual.
Measles symptoms typically manifest 7 to 21 days after exposure and can include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A distinctive red rash usually develops one to four days after the onset of initial symptoms. Infected individuals are considered contagious from four days before to four days after the rash appears, posing a significant risk of transmission in public and healthcare settings.
To mitigate this risk, health officials urge anyone experiencing symptoms to contact their healthcare provider rather than visit in-person to prevent further spread of the virus. The measles vaccine remains the most effective preventive measure against the virus, and international travelers are advised to ensure they are fully vaccinated prior to leaving the country.
For infants aged 6 to 12 months, receiving one dose of the measles vaccine is recommended before overseas travel. Children older than 12 months are advised to receive two doses of the vaccine, spaced at least four weeks apart. Proper vaccination is crucial, particularly since measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases known, with a 95% chance of infection for a non-immunized person exposed to the virus.
Although measles vaccination campaigns have led to the disease being declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, the recent uptick in cases reinforces the importance of immunization. Complications from measles, such as diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, and, in rare instances, death, are more prevalent in children under 5 years old and adults over 20 years old, making vaccination even more critical in these age groups.
There currently is no specific treatment for measles; individuals diagnosed with the virus are recommended to receive supportive care to alleviate symptoms, which includes bed rest, hydration, and fever management. Public health officials emphasize the need for community awareness regarding potential exposure and encourage individuals to monitor for symptoms, especially in light of the confirmed case in the county.
As measles continues to pose a threat, authorities stress the significance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect both individual and public health. The community is advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks, particularly as international travel remains common.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego
- CBS 8 San Diego
- San Diego Union-Tribune
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Times of San Diego
- Wikipedia: Measles
- Google Search: Measles
- Google Scholar: Measles
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
- Google News: Measles
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
