Measles Case Confirmed In LA County

LOS ANGELES, CA — Public Health officials have confirmed a case of measles in a traveler who passed through Los Angeles International Airport while infectious earlier this month.

County Department of Public Health officials warned that people may have been exposed, with the risk of infection higher for people who are not immunized against measles.

According to health officials, the patient arrived at LAX on Aug. 2 aboard China Airlines flight #008 at the Tom Bradley International Terminal B, gate 153.

Health officials warned that anyone who was at Terminal B between roughly 9:30 p.m. Aug. 2 and 12:35 a.m. Aug. 3 may have been exposed. Passengers seated near the traveler also may have been exposed and will be notified by their respective local health department.

People exposed to the virus could be at risk of developing measles between seven and 21 days from exposure. Such people should verify their vaccination status and monitor themselves for symptoms.

Symptoms of measles can include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and fatigue. A red rash usually appears one to four days after symptoms begin, starting at the head and then spreading to the lower body. There is no cure or treatment.

City News Service