Measles Alert: LAX Traveler Exposed Others

Health Officials Urge Vigilance After Case Confirmed

Health authorities are tracking a potential measles exposure in Los Angeles after an international traveler visited LAX and a local hotel while infectious.

Potential Exposure Sites Identified

An individual who recently traveled internationally and passed through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has been diagnosed with measles. L.A. County Department of Public Health officials are now investigating two locations where the person may have spread the virus.

The traveler arrived at LAX on July 5. Specific flight details are still under review. Following arrival, the individual stayed at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport, located at 5711 W. Century Blvd., from the evening of July 5 until checking out on July 7.

Symptoms and Prevention Guidance

Individuals present at LAX or the Hilton hotel on the specified dates are advised to monitor for measles symptoms for up to three weeks. These symptoms can include a high fever, cough, and red, watery eyes.

Health officials strongly recommend verifying measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination status. Those who are not immunized face a heightened risk of contracting the illness.

“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,” stated Dr. **Muntu Davis**, Los Angeles County health officer. “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.”

National Measles Outbreak Context

This incident occurs as the U.S. is experiencing its most significant measles outbreak in decades. California alone has already surpassed its case numbers from the entire previous year, highlighting the resurgence of this preventable disease.

Summer travel increases the likelihood of exposure and transmission as people move between locations domestically and internationally.

Public Health Recommendations

The department urges all residents to review their immunization records. It is advisable to contact a healthcare provider if you believe you may have been exposed, especially if you are pregnant or have a compromised immune system.

Dr. **Davis** emphasized the importance of vaccination. “The best way to protect yourself and your family from infection is with the highly effective measles vaccine,” he said. Residents experiencing symptoms should avoid crowded areas.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that measles can be a serious illness, particularly for young children and those with weakened immune systems. According to the CDC, measles cases in the U.S. have already exceeded 1,000 for the year, a significant increase compared to previous years (CDC).