The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed a case of measles in a resident who recently traveled through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) while infectious. The infected person arrived on Turkish Airlines 009 flight at Tom Bradley International Airport Terminal B, Gate 157, on January 25, 2024.

Potential Exposure at LAX

The health department warns that individuals who were at Terminal B from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the same day may be at risk of developing measles due to exposure from this person. Health officials and the CDC will notify passengers assigned to specific seats that may have been exposed.

Chick-Fil-A Visit in Northridge

In addition to the LAX exposure, the infected person visited a Chick-Fil-A restaurant in Northridge. Those who were at the Devonshire location on January 25 between 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. may be at risk of developing measles. Unfortunately, it is currently unknown if the infected person visited other locations.

Risk Factors and Transmission

The health department emphasizes that individuals who have not had measles in the past and have not been vaccinated are at risk of contracting measles if they have been exposed. The incubation period for measles is seven to 21 days after exposure, and individuals who have been symptom-free for more than 21 days are no longer considered at risk.

Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis highlights the highly contagious nature of measles for those who are not immune. Measles can be transmitted through the air and direct contact even before symptoms manifest, leading to severe disease.

Spread of Measles

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air and on surfaces for several hours. The infected person can spread the disease up to four days before a measles rash appears and up to four days after the rash appears. Contaminated air or surfaces can lead to infection if individuals touch their eyes, noses, or mouths after exposure.

Recognizing Measles Symptoms

Common symptoms of measles include a high fever (higher than 101°F), cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, tiny white spots inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin, and a rash appearing 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.

For additional information, the public is encouraged to visit Ph.lacounty.gov.

Public Health Measures

In light of the confirmed measles case, public health officials are taking swift action to notify and protect those potentially exposed at LAX and the Chick-Fil-A in Northridge. The identification of specific locations and the timeline of potential exposure enables targeted communication with affected individuals, enhancing the effectiveness of public health measures.

Conclusion

The recent case of measles underscores the importance of vaccination and awareness of potential exposure. Public health authorities are actively working to contain the spread of the disease and protect the community. It serves as a reminder for individuals to stay informed, get vaccinated, and take necessary precautions to prevent the transmission of contagious diseases.