Health officials are alerting the public about a confirmed case of measles involving an infant who traveled through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) earlier this month. The child, from Orange County, arrived at the Tom Bradley International Terminal on February 19 after a flight from overseas.
Officials warn that anyone at Terminal B between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. that day might be at risk of exposure to measles, a viral infection that’s currently spreading in the U.S. They are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to inform passengers who were near the infant on the same flight, as they may have a higher risk of infection.
Thankfully, there are no known additional exposures in the community outside of LAX. It’s important for anyone who was in contact with the child to check their vaccination status. Those who aren’t immune could develop measles within a week to three weeks after exposure.
Dr. Muntu Davis, the Los Angeles County Health Officer, highlighted the seriousness of measles. It spreads easily through the air and on surfaces, especially among those who haven’t been vaccinated. Symptoms can appear 7 to 21 days after exposure, and a person can infect others even before showing symptoms.
Children and the elderly are particularly at risk, making vaccination the best protection against this serious disease. The measles vaccine is highly effective, and getting vaccinated is the safest way to shield yourself and your family.
Measles symptoms include a high fever, runny nose, cough, tiny white spots inside the mouth, red or watery eyes, and a rash that typically starts on the face and spreads to the body within five days. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported 93 confirmed cases of measles in the U.S. this year, but the actual number may be higher due to outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico.
