HEALTH OFFICIALS ON LOOKOUT FOR MEASLES IN FARMWORKERS IN CENTRAL VALLEY. WHAT TO KNOW

Agricultural workers who recently arrived in the Central Valley from Arizona are being monitored for measles in Fresno, Madera and Merced counties.

As of Tuesday morning, none of the 140 workers who have already arrived have been found to have measles, according to health officials. More agricultural workers who have been exposed to the very contagious viral disease are expected to arrive in the Valley in the next few days.

The CDPH said the agricultural workers were exposed before they relocated from Arizona, where a measles outbreak is currently ongoing.

Health officials have not disclosed if all the exposed agricultural workers are from the same the company in Arizona or in what crops. It is not clear if those workers are currently working in the fields or packing plants in the Valley or how long they would be in the area.

Antonio De Loera-Brust, communications director for the United Farm Workers union, said at this time the union is not aware of any UFW members having any direct exposure.

Measles spread when someone infected speaks, coughs, sneezes or breathes, and it can linger in the air up to two hours after the infected person has left, according to the California Department of Public Health website.

Fresno, Madera and Merced counties are working with the CDPH and Arizona Department of Health Services in monitoring the situation, tracking all workers for any signs of illness.

“Any potential infectious disease outbreak poses an elevated risk to workers who may live in shared housing and likely lack access to health care, vaccinations or reliable public health information,” De Loera- Brust said. “These risks are heightened by a fear of engaging with public health agencies or seeking medical care due to immigration status worries.

Health officials said the three counties and both states are prepared to implement public health measures should any cases occur in the Central Valley, however, the risk to the public remains low.

The state and counties health agencies have preparedness measures to prevent any potential spread of the viral disease.

“Responsible employers should distribute information about measles and engage with their county health agencies to offer medical checkups or vaccines for measles and other common infections including COVID-19 and influenza,” De Loera-Brust said.

While measles is eradicated in the United States, it is widespread in many parts of the world including Europe, Africa, and Asia, according to the CDPH website.

How to protect yourself

Health official said the best protection is the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses provide 97% protection against measles.

Local health departments urge residents to ensure they are up to date on routine vaccines, including MMR.

People who develop symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash, should call their healthcare provider prior to seeking medical care, so appropriate precautions can be taken to prevent additional exposures.

For more information on measles and the MMR vaccine visit CDPH’s measles webpage: www.cdph.ca.gov.

2026-08-05T01:53:16Z