A recent case of measles has been confirmed in a Los Angeles resident who traveled through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) while infectious. The Los Angeles County health officials have urged individuals who may have been exposed to check their vaccination status, monitor their health, and seek medical attention if necessary.
The unidentified patient arrived on Turkish Airlines flight 009 at the Tom Bradley International Terminal, Gate 157, at 5 p.m. on January 25th. Health officials have identified that people who were in the terminal between 5 and 9 p.m. could be at risk of measles due to exposure. Passengers who were seated near the patient on the flight are being notified as well.
In addition to the airport, the patient also visited a Chick-Fil-A restaurant located at 18521 Devonshire St. in Northridge between 8 and 10:30 p.m. on January 25th, potentially exposing people at that location too.
To prevent further spread of the disease, health officials are urging residents to confirm their measles vaccination status. Those who have not had measles in the past and have not yet received the vaccine are at risk of contracting the disease if they have been exposed. Unimmunized individuals or those with unknown immunization status who were present at the mentioned sites during the specified date and times are at risk of developing measles within seven to 21 days after exposure. It is important to note that individuals who have been symptom-free for more than 21 days are no longer at risk.
County health officials are actively investigating whether the patient may have visited any other locations or potentially exposed anyone else. However, no further details about the patient or their current condition have been released.
If you believe you may have been exposed, it is crucial to check your immunization status and consult with a healthcare provider if you suspect you may not be protected from infection. In case symptoms develop, it is advised to stay home from work or school and seek medical attention immediately.
Common symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, tiny white spots in the mouth, and a rash that typically appears three to five days after the initial signs of illness. The rash usually begins on the face and spreads downward.
Dr. Muntu Davis, the county health officer, emphasizes the seriousness of measles and its highly contagious nature. Measles can be spread through the air and direct contact even before symptoms manifest, leading to severe complications in young children and vulnerable adults.
It is important for individuals to take necessary precautions, such as ensuring their vaccination status is up to date, monitoring their health, and seeking medical attention if needed. By doing so, we can collectively prevent the further spread of measles and protect ourselves and our communities from this highly contagious disease.
