California monitors 140 Arizona farmworkers for potential measles exposure

Public health officials in Fresno, Madera and Merced counties are tracking 140 agricultural workers who arrived from Arizona after possible measles exposure, though no cases have been confirmed yet.

Health departments in Fresno, Madera and Merced counties are closely monitoring a group of 140 agricultural workers who recently relocated from Arizona, where a measles outbreak has been ongoing. Although no infections have been identified among these individuals, officials anticipate that more exposed workers could enter California shortly. The California Department of Public Health, together with local agencies and the Arizona Department of Health Services, is tracking the migrants and has put preparedness measures in place to curb any potential transmission.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the majority of measles cases this year are linked to outbreaks, with 2,371 confirmed cases nationwide, the highest count since 1991. California has recorded 53 confirmed cases as of late July, but all three earlier outbreaks this year have been resolved. Residents are urged to seek medical advice if they develop typical measles symptoms before seeking care in person.