A person with Measles (Photo – rush.edu)
The Los Angeles County Health Department has issued a health alert after a confirmed case of measles was reported in a non-resident who traveled through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) while infectious.
By News Desk
The individual arrived on Korean Air flight KAL11/KE11 at Tom Bradley International Terminal B on February 19, 2025, between approximately 1 :00 pm and 4:00 pm.
Individuals who were in Terminal B during this time may have been exposed to the measles virus. Local health departments, in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are working to notify passengers seated in specific rows on the affected flight. The health agencies are investigating the potential spread of the virus following international travel.
Exposed individuals are urged to verify their measles vaccination status. Those who have not received the measles vaccine or had the disease in the past are at risk of contracting measles if exposed. Symptoms may appear 7 to 21 days after exposure. Anyone who has been free of symptoms for more than 21 days (after March 11th) is no longer at risk.
Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer, emphasized the importance of the measles vaccine for protection: “Measles is a serious respiratory disease that spreads easily through the air and on surfaces, particularly among people who are not already protected from it.”
Measles can be transmitted even before symptoms appear, and it often takes up to three weeks for signs of illness, including fever and a characteristic rash, to manifest. To help prevent further spread, those who may have been exposed should take the following actions:
People who were in the locations above around the aforementioned times should:
- Review immunization records and consult with a healthcare provider about receiving the MMR vaccine if not already vaccinated.
- Contact healthcare providers immediately if pregnant, an infant, immunocompromised, or unimmunized, regardless of prior vaccination history.
- Monitor for fever and an unexplained rash, which typically appears 3-5 days after other symptoms.
If symptoms develop, individuals should stay home, avoid public places, and contact healthcare providers. It’s crucial not to enter a health facility without notifying the staff about potential measles exposure.
Measles is highly contagious and can be spread through the air when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for hours. Symptoms often begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and followed by a distinctive rash. The measles vaccine (MMR) is effective in preventing the disease, with two doses providing 97% protection.
For more information, visit the Los Angeles County Public Health website at ph.lacounty.gov/measles.
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