Los Angeles Health Officials Warn Of Possible Measles Exposures At LAX

Health officials Tuesday urged people who traveled through Los Angeles International Airport last week to get checked for measles following the hospitalization of three people who contracted the virus.

The measles exposure reportedly occurred on Wednesday when the three victims reportedly traveled through LAX Terminals 4 and 5 between 6:50 a.m. and noon. Officials said the carriers were nonresidents traveling through Los Angeles County but didn’t provide further information as to who they were or from where they were traveling.

Officials also didn’t provide any additional locations the three travelers could have visited and risked further exposure.

Health officials have advised anyone who traveled through LAX on Wednesday to monitor themselves for symptoms of measlesfor 21 days.

“For those who are not protected, measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that initially causes fever, cough, red, watery eyes, and, finally, a rash,” Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis said in an official release. “Measles is spread by air and by direct contact even before you know have it.”

As precautions, officials advised anyone possibly exposed to review immunization records and monitor for a rash or fever during the 21-day risk period. If either develop, sufferers are advised to stay home and call a doctor. Anyone fearing exposure should call a doctor immediately if pregnant, have a baby, have a weaker immune system, or weren’t immunized.

There have been 20 confirmed measles cases among residents in Los Angeles County in 2019, along with 14 nonresident cases. All cases were found to be individuals who were not immunized or unsure if they had been immunized.