Key Highlights
- The Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency (HSSA) has identified a new exposure location for a confirmed case of measles.
- The exposure was at an outdoor event in Highland Neighborhood Park on January 23, 2026.
- Public health officials advise checking vaccination records if you were present during the specified times.
- Vaccination against measles is highly recommended to prevent contraction and spread of the disease.
New Measles Exposure Site Identified in Shasta County
The Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency (HSSA) has recently announced an additional exposure location for a confirmed case of measles. This comes as another reminder of the importance of vaccination in a world where diseases can spread rapidly.
Outdoor Event at Highland Neighborhood Park
The newly identified exposure site is an informal outdoor event called “Capture-the-Flag” that took place on January 23, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m., at Highland Neighborhood Park. This location joins other sites like Osaka Sushi, Cross Point Church, Costco, and Churn Creek Health Care Clinic, all of which were also linked to measles exposure.
Vaccination Urgency
Health officials are urging the public to check their vaccination records if they visited any of these locations during the specified times. The HSSA notes that two doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) provide strong protection against measles, with less than a 1% chance of contracting the disease after exposure.
For those born before 1957, natural immunity is considered common. However, for others, especially children and unvaccinated adults, it’s crucial to ensure you have received both doses of the MMR vaccine. Public health officials recommend consulting a healthcare provider if in doubt about your vaccination status.
Signs and Symptoms
Measles is not just a minor ailment; its symptoms can include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and the characteristic rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Infected individuals are contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after it emerges.
Precautionary Measures
If you exhibit any symptoms, public health officials strongly advise staying home and avoiding public places like clinics or doctors’ offices. This is to prevent spreading measles to others who may be more vulnerable. The HSSA also provides a text message service for those identified as exposed contacts.
In conclusion, the Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency continues its efforts to contain the spread of measles through identification and management of exposure sites. The public’s cooperation in checking vaccination records and following health guidelines is crucial in preventing further cases.
