Los Angeles County Reports First Measles Case Since 2020, Potential Exposure at LAX
Los Angeles County has recently confirmed its first case of measles since 2020, raising concerns about potential exposure at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The infected individual, whose identity and age remain undisclosed, had traveled internationally in late January and arrived in Los Angeles on a Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul. The county Department of Public Health issued a news release stating that anyone present in Terminal B between 5 and 9 p.m. Pacific time on January 25th may have been exposed to the infected traveler.
Measles is a highly contagious disease, with particles lingering in the air for hours. Consequently, local health officials are collaborating with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to identify and notify passengers who were seated near the infected person during the flight. This case in California is part of a recent surge in measles cases across the country, prompting the CDC to issue an alert to healthcare providers to be vigilant in detecting the disease. The CDC emphasized that young individuals who are eligible for the vaccine but have not received it before traveling abroad are particularly susceptible to contracting measles. Moreover, global measles cases have been on the rise.
Dr. Muntu Davis, the LA County health officer, highlighted the severity of measles, stating, “Measles is spread by air and by direct contact even before you know you have it and can lead to severe disease.” The virus can cause serious complications and is potentially fatal for individuals who are not vaccinated or immune to it.
After arriving at LAX, the infected person visited a Chick-Fil-A restaurant in Northridge, California, between 8 and 10:30 p.m. Health officials are currently conducting further investigations to determine other locations the individual may have visited. The initial symptoms of measles typically appear one to two weeks after exposure and include high fever, runny nose, and cough. These symptoms are followed by a hyper-pigmented or red-colored rash that starts at the hairline and spreads down the body. According to the CDC, approximately one in 1,000 people with measles develop brain swelling, and one to three in every thousand cases result in death.
In light of this situation, LA health officials are urging individuals who were in the vicinity of the infected person during the specified periods to review their immunization and medical records to ensure they have received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Pregnant women, individuals with infants, those with weakened immune systems, or those who are not immune to measles should contact their healthcare provider. If symptoms develop, officials advise people to stay at home and consult a healthcare provider before visiting a hospital or clinic to ensure proper preparation.
In 2020, LA County reported five cases of measles, and in 2019, there was an outbreak of 20 cases. Most of these cases were individuals who had not been immunized or were unsure of their immunization status. A report from the state of California for the 2021-22 school year revealed that approximately 96.7% of LA County kindergartners received their full MMR vaccine series. However, national coverage for the vaccine among kindergartners was only 93.1% in 2022-23, leaving around 250,000 kindergartners at risk of contracting the disease.
The recent measles case in Los Angeles County serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination and maintaining high immunization rates. As measles cases continue to emerge both domestically and globally, it is crucial for individuals to prioritize their health and take appropriate measures to protect themselves and others from this highly contagious disease.
Eduardo Cuevas is a dedicated journalist covering health and breaking news for USA TODAY. For any inquiries, he can be reached at EMCuevas1@usatoday.com.
