Los Angeles County health officials Wednesday warned that people who visited Universal Studios Hollywood while an infectious person was at the theme park last month may have been exposed to measles.
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, anyone who was at the theme park between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. Sunday, July 26, may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus. Officials said additional exposure locations are under investigation.
People who were at the theme park during that time should monitor themselves for symptoms through Aug. 16, the department said.
Those who have previously had measles or received the recommended measles-mumps-rubella, or MMR, vaccine are likely protected but should still watch for symptoms, health officials said. People who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status are at greater risk of infection.
“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, and to contact a health care provider if they are pregnant, immunocompromised, have an infant younger than 12 months who may have been exposed or are otherwise at higher risk.
Anyone who develops symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes or a rash should stay home, avoid school, work and public gatherings, and contact a health care provider before visiting a medical facility, officials said.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes, and the virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for several hours after the infected person has left an area. According to the department, two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing the disease.
As of July 31, 2,371 measles cases had been reported nationwide this year, county health officials said. Los Angeles County last reported a measles case on July 21.