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Health officials warn of potential measles exposure at LAX
LAX will need upgrades to prepare for the influx of international visitors
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Topline:
Public health officials have identified a measles case in the Los Angeles area and are offering guidance to people who might have been exposed to the respiratory disease. The case was found in an infant who traveled internationally with family and returned to Orange County last week through LAX.
Who’s at risk? People who were at Tom Bradley international terminal on Feb. 19, the day the baby arrived on Korean Air flight 11, between 1 and 4 p.m. may have been exposed, health officials said.
Airline passengers who were exposed will be notified by local health departments. The disease spreads in the air when infected people breathe, cough and sneeze and can stay in the air and on surfaces for hours. It also spreads through direct contact with an infected person.
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People who have not been vaccinated against the measles virus are at risk of developing the illness one to three weeks after exposure and should watch for symptoms, including high fever, unexplained rash, cough and red and watery eyes, according to L.A. County Department of Public Health. If they stay symptom-free for more than three weeks, they are no longer at risk.
What to do: People who have been exposed should check to see if they’ve been vaccinated against measles. If not, they should talk to a healthcare provider about getting an MMR vaccine, health officials said.
People who are pregnant or have a weakened immune system should notify their healthcare provider about potential exposure even if they have been vaccinated. People who do develop symptoms should stay at home, avoiding work, school and large gatherings. Call to inform providers of exposure and symptoms before entering healthcare facilities. People can spread the disease up to four days before and after a rash appears, according to health officials.
More about measles: Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world.
Ninety-three measles cases have been reported this year throughout the U.S. Most of these cases were in unvaccinated people, and 25% of these cases required hospitalization, according to the L.A. County Department of Public Health.
The most recent case of measles in an L.A. County resident was reported last February. Health officials recommend getting an MMR vaccine before international travel, if you have not already received two doses.
The L.A. County Public Health Department has more information on measles symptoms, prevention and vaccines.
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