Los Angeles County health officials Wednesday warned travelers and others who may have been exposed to measles at LAX and other locations after confirming the county’s sixth measles case of the year.
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the infected traveler arrived June 11 on Cathay Pacific Flight CX 884 and was infectious while passing through Los Angeles County.
People who were at Tom Bradley International Terminal B at LAX between 10 a.m. and noon June 11 may have been exposed to the virus, health officials said.
Potential exposure sites also included the Hilton Los Angeles Airport hotel shuttle between 10:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. and the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel between 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. that same day.
Public Health said individuals who were at those locations during the specified times could develop symptoms between seven and 21 days after exposure and should monitor for signs of illness through July 2.
Affected health care facilities are directly notifying patients and staff who may have been exposed, officials said.
“As measles cases increase, it is important that residents take steps to make sure they are fully protected,” Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said in a statement. “The MMR vaccine is the safest and most reliable way to prevent measles and protect yourself, your family, and your community.”
Health officials urged residents to review their vaccination records, particularly before traveling. People who have received the recommended measles-mumps-rubella vaccine series or previously had measles are generally considered protected.
Common measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes and a rash that typically begins on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.
According to Public Health, more than 2,000 measles cases have been reported nationwide this year. Most cases have involved people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown, officials said.
The last measles case reported in Los Angeles County was announced May 16.