Measles Case Confirmed in L.A. County

Measles (File Photo)

L.A. County Health Department has been notified of one case of measles in a non-Los Angeles County resident who traveled to Los Angeles International (LAX) airport while infectious on May 9, 2024.

By News Desk

The individual arrived on Qatar Airways flight QR 0739 at the Tom Bradley International Airport (TBIT) Terminal B, Gate 134 on May 9, 2024, at 1:53 pm.

Individuals who were at Terminal B from approximately 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm may be at risk of developing measles due to exposure to this traveler. In collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control, passengers assigned to specific seats that may been exposed on Qatar Airways flight QR 0739 on May 9, 2024, will be notified by local Departments of Health. These agencies work together to investigate communicable disease exposures on international flights to the United States.

Exposed individuals should confirm if they have been vaccinated against measles. If they have not had measles in the past and have not yet obtained the measles vaccine, they are at risk of contracting measles if they have been exposed. Unimmunized persons or those with unknown immunization status who were at this location during the date and times listed above are at risk of developing measles from 7 to 21 days after being exposed. Exposed individuals who have been free of symptoms for more than 21 days (May 30th) are no longer at risk.

People who were in the location above around the aforementioned times should:

• Review their immunization and medical records to determine if they are protected against measles.
• People who have not had measles infection or received the measles immunization previously may not be protected from the measles virus and should talk with a health care provider about receiving measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunization.
• Contact and notify their health care provider as soon as possible about a potential exposure if they are pregnant, an infant, have a weakened immune system and/or are unimmunized regardless of vaccination history.
• Monitor themselves for illness with fever and/or an unexplained rash from 7 days to 21 days after their exposure (the time period when symptoms may develop)
• If symptoms develop, stay at home, and avoid school, work and any large gatherings. Call a healthcare provider immediately. Do not enter a health care facility before calling them and making them aware of your measles exposure and symptoms. Public Health can assist health care providers in appropriately diagnosing and managing your care.

Common symptoms for measles include:

• High fever (higher than 101° F)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red and watery eyes
• Tiny white spots that may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin.
• Rash 3-5 days after other signs of illness.
  The “measles rash” typically starts at the face and then spreads down to the rest of the body.