Measles in LA: 2nd Case – LAX & Disneyland Exposure

Second Measles Case Confirmed in Los angeles County, Raising Public health Concerns

Los Angeles County health officials have confirmed a second case of measles this year, linked to a traveler who recently arrived at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The declaration,made on Saturday,underscores a growing national trend of measles outbreaks and prompts urgent recommendations for residents to verify their immunization status.

did you know? – Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, but imported cases, like these, can lead to outbreaks, especially in communities with low vaccination rates.

Exposure Locations and Timeline

The infected individual, an international traveler, arrived at the tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) at LAX on Monday, January 26, via Viva Aerobus Flight 518, disembarking at Gate 201A.Public health authorities have identified a potential exposure window for anyone present at Terminal B between 10:45 p.m. on January 26 and 1:00 a.m. on January 27.

The traveler’s activities extended beyond the airport. On January 28, they spent the day at both disneyland Park and California Adventure Park in Anaheim, from 12:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. A further potential exposure site has been identified as a Dunkin’ Donuts in Woodland Hills,visited on January 30 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Pro tip – Check with your healthcare provider or local health department to confirm your MMR vaccination status. Documentation may be available online through patient portals.

Symptoms and Monitoring

Health officials emphasize that individuals who visited these locations during the specified times may be at risk of developing measles. Symptoms, which typically manifest one to three weeks after exposure, include a fever exceeding 101 degrees Fahrenheit, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a characteristic rash that often begins on the face.

Specific monitoring timelines have been established based on exposure location:

• LAX Exposure: Monitor for symptoms until February 16.
• Disneyland/California Adventure Exposure: Monitor for symptoms until February 18.
• Dunkin’ Donuts Exposure: Monitor for symptoms until february 20.

Rising National Cases and Vaccination Urgency

This latest case follows the confirmation of a first measles case in Los Angeles County just one day prior. Additionally, Orange County has reported two separate measles cases this year, involving both a recently returned international traveler and an unvaccinated toddler with no known exposure.

Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 588 measles cases in the U.S. so far this year – the highest January total since measles was eliminated in the United States in 2000. Outbreaks have been concentrated in South Carolina, Arizona, and Utah.

“Measles spreads easily through the air and can remain infectious on surfaces for extended periods,” a senior official stated. “Individuals can even transmit the virus before exhibiting symptoms, making proactive prevention crucial.”

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is strongly urging all residents to verify their immunization status regarding the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. If unvaccinated, residents are advised to receive the MMR vaccine.

Reader question – What are your thoughts on the recent increase in measles cases and the importance of vaccination? Share your perspective.

If symptoms develop, individuals are instructed to contact their healthcar

Hear’s a breakdown of how the questions are answered:

* Why: The article explains the concern is due to a growing