A person with Measles (Photo – rush.edu)
The Los Angeles County Health Department has confirmed the first case of measles diagnosed in 2025 in a county resident who recently traveled through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
By News Desk
In partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), local health departments will notify passengers seated in specific areas of China Airlines flight CAL8/CI8, which arrived in Los Angeles on March 5, if they may have been exposed. These agencies collaborate to investigate communicable disease exposures on international flights to the United States.
Additionally, individuals who were at the following locations on the specified dates and times may be at risk of developing measles due to exposure to this individual:
- Wednesday, March 5 between 7:00 pm to 10:40 pm: Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) at the Los Angeles International (LAX) Airport
- Friday, March 7, between 11:00 am to 5:00 pm: Cloud 9 Nail Salon, 5142 N. Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601
- Monday, March 10 between 8:15 am to 10:30 am: Superior Grocery Store, 10683 Valley Blvd., El Monte, CA 91731
Exposed individuals should verify whether they have been vaccinated against measles. If they have not had measles in the past and have not received the measles vaccine, they are at risk of contracting measles if exposed. Unvaccinated individuals, or those with unknown vaccination status, who were at these locations during the specified times should monitor for symptoms 7 to 21 days after exposure. Individuals who remain symptom-free for more than 21 days after exposure are no longer at risk.
“With measles outbreaks happening both in the United States and internationally, this recent case in our county highlights how important it is for anyone who has not been immunized to get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “Measles spreads easily through the air and on surfaces, and a person infected with mealses can pass it on to others before they feel sick or have symptoms. Young children and those who are pregnant or have weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for life-threatening complications from infection. Getting the MMR vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and stop the spread of this dangerous disease.”
L.A. County Chair Pro Tem and Supervisor for the First District, Hilda Solis, issued the following statement: “We must remember that measles is a preventable disease. The measles outbreaks happening in the United States, including this most recent case in the County, highlights the importance of getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Given that measles spreads easily through the air, and on surfaces, an individual infected with measles can pass it on unknowingly before feeling sick or having symptoms. Our young children, pregnant individuals, individuals with weakened immune systems, and older adults are at higher risk for complications, and I encourage everyone to get vaccinated. The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. We must all do our part to protect the well-being of our communities.”
Individuals who were at the aforementioned locations should:
- Review their immunization and medical records to confirm protection against measles. Those who have never had measles or received the measles vaccine should consult their healthcare provider about receiving the MMR vaccine.
- Contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible if they are pregnant, an infant, have a weakened immune system, or are unimmunized, regardless of vaccination history.
- Monitor for symptoms of fever and/or an unexplained rash from 7 to 21 days after exposure (the period during which symptoms may develop).
- If symptoms appear, stay home and avoid attending school, work, or social gatherings. Immediately contact a healthcare provider. Before visiting a healthcare facility, call ahead and inform them of your possible measles exposure and symptoms. Public Health will assist healthcare providers with diagnosis and management of care.
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