Measles Information Feb 2026

CAL POLY HUMBOLDT NOTIFICATION (Feb 18, 2026)—As many of you know, measles has seen a resurgence nationwide in the last several years. Two Northern California counties—Napa and Shasta—have had active cases in their communities. There are no reported cases in Humboldt County at this time, but with cases rising sharply across the U.S., we want to be proactive in protecting our community. 

What You Need to Know 

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses affecting humans and can cause serious complications. A single infected person can spread it to 12-18 people who aren’t immune, and 90% of nonimmune individuals will contract measles if exposed. The virus stays suspended in the air and active on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a space, which makes it especially easy to spread. 

The best protection is the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Two doses are 97% effective at preventing measles and one dose is about 93% effective. It’s recommended that those in higher risk settings, like on college campuses, receive two doses of the vaccine, which has been the MMR standard since 1989. If someone who has received at least one dose of the vaccine does get measles, the illness is typically milder, but they can still have complications or spread it. You cannot get measles from the vaccine. 

Most adults are considered immune if they’ve received the MMR vaccination or had a laboratory-confirmed case of measles. If you’re unsure if you’ve been vaccinated, contact your primary care doctor to review your vaccine records. If you’ve only had one dose of the vaccine, it’s recommended you get a second MMR rather than a blood test (titer) to check for immunity. If you have not been able to locate your immunization records, students may email health@humboldt.edu for assistance. 

MMR vaccines are available through your primary care provider and at pharmacies (information below is current as of February 10; please call ahead to confirm availability).

• Costco (membership not required for vaccines): 707-441-0920. Click here to schedule.
• CVS in McKinleyville: 707-839-5621. Click here to schedule.
• Walgreens in Fortuna: 707-726-0377. Select "all vaccinations available" to schedule. 

Students who believe they may have been exposed to measles, or who are having a runny nose and cough with fever and a rash, call (do not visit) Student Health & Wellbeing Services at 707-826-3146 during business hours—or contact our telehealth service, TimelyCare, outside business hours—to discuss your symptoms and get further instructions. Students who have not yet registered for telehealth through TimelyCare can register at timelycare.com/calpolyhumboldt. 

Staff and faculty should reach out to their primary care provider for guidance. 

Thank you for helping to keep our community safe.