Public health officials have confirmed the first case of measles in a Los Angeles County resident for 2025. The infected individual traveled through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on a China Airlines flight that arrived on Wednesday (March 5), according to the L.A. County Department of Public Health. This marks the second instance this year of a measles-infected person passing through LAX.
The individual arrived at the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) while contagious, raising concerns about potential exposure. Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through the air and via droplets. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.
Passengers on the affected China Airlines flight will be notified by local health departments in collaboration with the CDC. Dr. Muntu Davis, L.A. County Health Officer, emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, “With measles outbreaks happening both in the United States and internationally, this recent case in our county highlights how important it is for anyone who has not been immunized to get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine” as reported by FOX LA.
California has reported five measles cases as of Tuesday (March 11), amid a growing outbreak in the U.S., which has seen 222 cases across multiple states. The majority of cases involve individuals who were not vaccinated. Health officials recommend the MMR vaccine, which is about 97% effective with two doses. Symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that typically appears three to five days after other symptoms.
Anyone who was at LAX or other locations visited by the infected person should monitor for symptoms and check their vaccination status. If symptoms develop, individuals are advised to stay home and contact their healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility.
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