LA County Investigates Measles Case in Traveler

Public Health officials have confirmed a case of measles in a traveler who passed through Los Angeles International Airport while infectious earlier this month.

County Department of Public Health officials warned that people may have been exposed, with the risk of infection higher for people who are not immunized against measles.

According to health officials, the patient was at LAX on July 5, but the exact time and flight information were still under investigation. The patient is also believed to have visited the Hilton Los Angeles Airport, 5711 W. Century Blvd., between 7:30 p.m. July 5 and 1 p.m. July 7.

Health officials warned that people who were at those locations during those times could be at risk of developing measles between seven and 21 days from exposure. Such people should verify their vaccination status and monitor themselves for symptoms.

“Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can linger in the air and on surfaces, making it easy to spread, particularly among people who are not already protected from it,” Dr. Muntu Davis, county health officer, said in a statement. “A person can spread the illness to others before they have symptoms, and it can take seven to 21 days for symptoms to show up after exposure. Measles can lead to severe disease in young children and vulnerable adults. The best way to protect yourself and your family from infection is with the highly effective measles vaccine.”

Symptoms of measles can include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and fatigue. A red rash usually appears one to four days after symptoms begin, starting at the head and then spreading to the lower body. There is no cure or treatment.