California health scare: Potential virus outbreak rocks Sacramento residents, more than 100 children feared for infection

“measles“Plasmodium is one of the most contagious infections and can cause severe life-long consequences, including permanent brain damage, and can also be fatal, especially in children,” CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan said in a March 6 press release.

Learn more | U.S. measles cases surge: Doctors explain how measles spreads, symptoms to watch for and prevention tips to stay protected

Pan added: “The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and provides long-lasting protection against measles. Vaccination protects both our own families and those who are too young to be fully vaccinated.”

At least six cases have been confirmed in Sacramento and neighboring Placer County since late February.

A health scare is also scaring a local hospital. On the morning of March 2, one of the infected children was treated at Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center. The hospital has since been tracking the situation.

“Measles is a highly contagious disease that causes high fever, rash, cough, and red eyes. It can lead to life-threatening complications such as brain inflammation and pneumonia. It is caused by a virus. Getting the measles vaccine is the best way to prevent getting and spreading measles,” the Cleveland Clinic said.

Learn more | U.S. measles cases hit 30-year high in 2025, doctors stress the importance of vaccination prevention

It added that “Measles virus (genus Morbillivirus) causes measles. It is an airborne disease, meaning it spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes or talks. Even after a person with measles leaves, airborne droplets can remain in a room for up to two hours. Water droplets can also fall on surfaces you touch. “