Measles Exposure Alert at LAX
Los Angeles County health officials have announced a possible exposure to measles for passengers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and guests at a nearby hotel. This comes after a traveler arriving on Cathay Pacific Flight CX 884 on June 11 was confirmed to have the virus.
The affected traveler was contagious while at the airport and may have exposed others during their time at LAX and the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel.
This incident marks the sixth confirmed measles case in Los Angeles County for the year. Officials are particularly concerned as summer travel increases, especially with international visitors arriving for the FIFA World Cup events.
Anyone who was at the Tom Bradley International Terminal between 10 a.m. and noon on June 11, or at the Hilton hotel from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., might have been exposed to the virus. Symptoms can appear between 7 to 21 days after exposure, with July 2 being the last day to monitor for signs of illness.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is collaborating with local health departments to notify passengers who were seated near the infected individual on the flight.
Health officials, including Dr. Muntu Davis from the Los Angeles County Health Department, stress the importance of vaccination. “The MMR vaccine is the safest and most reliable way to prevent measles and protect yourself, your family, and your community,” he said.
Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that usually starts on the face before spreading.
For those who may have been exposed, it is vital to keep an eye out for any symptoms as health officials continue to monitor the situation.
