A person with Measles (Photo – rush.edu)
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating a confirmed case of measles involving a traveler who was infectious while visiting Los Angeles County, raising concerns about potential public exposure at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), a rental car shuttle, and a healthcare facility.
By News Desk
The case is the seventh measles infection reported by the department in 2026.
According to health officials, the traveler arrived on British Airways Flight 281 at Los Angeles International Airport’s Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), Terminal B, Gate 155, on July 3.
People who were at Gate 155 between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on July 3 may have been exposed to the virus. Public Health also identified a second potential exposure site: the Hertz rental car shuttle from LAX between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. that same day.
In coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), passengers seated near the infected traveler on the international flight will be notified through their local health departments. The CDC and local health agencies routinely investigate communicable disease exposures on international flights arriving in the United States.
People who were at the identified locations during the specified times are advised to monitor for measles symptoms for 21 days after exposure, with the monitoring period ending July 24. Individuals who have previously had measles or received the recommended measles vaccination are considered likely protected but should still watch for symptoms. Those who are unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status face a higher risk of infection and are urged to monitor their health closely.
The healthcare facility associated with the case is directly notifying patients and staff who may have been exposed.
Public Health officials said they are continuing to investigate the case, identify any additional exposure sites in Los Angeles County, and assess the risk to others who may have come into contact with the infected traveler.
With measles outbreaks continuing across the United States and internationally, health officials are urging Los Angeles County residents to ensure they are fully vaccinated before traveling and to follow recommended precautions.
Officials emphasized that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the most effective protection against the disease. Children 12 months and older are considered fully protected after receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine. Infants ages 6 through 11 months who are traveling internationally—or to domestic areas experiencing ongoing measles outbreaks—may receive an early dose of the vaccine.
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