Los Angeles public health officials confirmed a new measles case Friday in a traveler who passed through Los Angeles International Airport.
Measles Exposure at LAX
A traveler on China Airlines flight #008 was diagnosed with measles.
Anyone in Terminal B at LAX between 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 2 and 12:35 a.m. on Aug. 3 may have been exposed to measles. Passengers seated near the infected individual will be notified by their local health departments.
- Measles confirmed in a traveler at LAX.
- Potential exposure at Terminal B on Aug. 2-3.
- Symptoms include fever, cough, and rash.
- Vaccination is the best defense.
Understanding Measles Transmission
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness. It can linger in the air and on surfaces. This makes it easy to spread, especially to those unvaccinated.
A person can spread measles before showing symptoms. It can take seven to 21 days for symptoms to appear after exposure.
What are measles symptoms? Early signs include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A characteristic red rash typically appears about four days after initial symptoms, starting on the head and spreading down the body.
Protection and Prevention
There is no cure or specific treatment for measles. Health officials strongly advise that the measles vaccine is the most effective defense against the virus.
“Measles can lead to severe disease in young children and vulnerable adults,” stated Dr. Muntu Davis, a Los Angeles County Health Officer. “The best way to protect yourself and your family from infection is with the highly effective measles vaccine.”
This incident follows a previous measles case in February. An infant from Orange County, who also traveled through LAX, was confirmed to have measles. This announcement occurred during what health officials described as the worst measles outbreak in 30 years.
