02/04/2026
Lauren Rosen Crosby MD and parent Melody Zarabi featured on Spectrum News 1 SoCal segment on the measles resurgence and why staying up to date on vaccinations is so important.
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Measles, a virus declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, is making a troubling return, with confirmed cases now in Southern California and numbers rising nationwide.
What You Need To Know
Measles has returned to SoCal, with confirmed cases in both Los Angeles and Orange counties
More than 2,000 infections were reported nationwide last year, the highest in over 30 years, with hundreds already this year
The virus spreads through the air and can linger for hours, often before symptoms appear
Doctors say at least 95% vaccination coverage is needed to prevent outbreaks
Inside LA Peer Pediatrics in Beverly Hills, Dr. Lauren Crosby prepares a measles vaccine, one of the most effective tools against the disease. Crosby said she and doctors across the country are extremely worried.
“This is a very, very, very serious outbreak," she said. "There hasn’t been anything like this in at least 30 years or more."
Orange County health officials recently confirmed two cases: a young adult who traveled internationally and a toddler who had not. Los Angeles County has also confirmed its first two cases of the year, both linked to international travel.
Health officials say one of those infected with the disease spent hours at Disneyland on Jan. 28, including Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel and both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.
Thousands of guests, employees and diners may have been exposed in the crowded spaces.
Officials are urging people to check their vaccination status and contact a health care provider if they believe they were exposed, especially those who are pregnant, immunocompromised or have infants.
Anyone who develops symptoms is advised to stay home, avoid public places and call a provider before visiting a medical facility.
The local spread mirrors a surge across the U.S. After more than 2,000 infections last year, the highest number in over three decades, hundreds more have already been confirmed this year.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world. It spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes, and can linger in the air and on surfaces for hours. People can also transmit the virus before symptoms appear, which may take seven to 21 days to develop.
Symptoms include high fever, cough, red eyes and a spreading rash. In severe cases, complications can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, hearing loss and, in rare instances, death.
Health officials say preventing outbreaks requires at least 95% of a community to be fully vaccinated with two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. Even small declines in coverage can allow the virus to spread quickly.
Crosby noted that the vaccine is about 97% effective and safe.
“Because it is a live vaccine, sometimes seven to 10 days later, you can have a fever or a measles-like rash for a couple days, but you’re not contagious and it isn't measles. It’s just showing your immune system is working,” she said.
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Second measles case confirmed after visit to Disneyland theme parks
Public health experts now warn the U.S. could lose its measles elimination status.
At a recent briefing, CDC Principal Deputy Director Dr. Ralph Abraham said that “losing elimination status... does not mean that the measles would be widespread, nor would it alter any key measles elimination strategies... You know, it’s just the cost of doing business with our borders being somewhat porous."
The remarks drew criticism from medical professionals who say the designation is critical for controlling outbreaks.
For mother of three Melody Levian-Zarabi, the risk is personal. Her son underwent a bone marrow transplant, leaving him especially vulnerable to infection.
“Our family was in complete isolation until he could receive that vaccine," she said. "Measles can be deadly. With a brand-new immune system, it could have been life-threatening,” she said.
Crosby explained that community protection remains the key to stopping the spread.
“Watch the news, learn about local health alerts, at least so that you know what’s going on in your community, because community immunity helps protect everybody,” she said.
Health officials stress that measles is preventable, but only if vaccination rates remain high.
Health officials point to vaccination rates
