L.A. County Measles Case at LAX
- Los Angeles County public health officials have confirmed a case of measles in a county resident.
- County Department of Public Health announced on Tuesday that a resident,while infectious,arrived at LAX on March 5 via a China Airlines flight,landing in the Tom bradley international terminal...
- Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through the air via droplets.
Measles Case Confirmed in Los Angeles County: Public Health Alert
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Los Angeles County public health officials have confirmed a case of measles in a county resident. This marks the first such case this year and the second instance in 2025 of an infected individual passing through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
The L.A. County Department of Public Health announced on Tuesday that a resident,while infectious,arrived at LAX on March 5 via a China Airlines flight,landing in the Tom bradley international terminal (Terminal B). This development raises concerns amid ongoing measles outbreaks both nationally and internationally.
Measles Transmission and Risks
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through the air via droplets. The infection can lead to severe health complications, including death. According to the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health,the virus spreads when an infected person breathes,coughs,or sneezes. Transmission can also occur by touching an infected surface.
The centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the contagious nature of the disease, stating that “you can get measles just by being in a room where an infected person has been — even up to two hours after that person has left the room.”
This recent case follows another incident last month where an infected infant returning home to Orange County arrived at LAX on a korean Air flight in Terminal B.
Locations of Potential Exposure
Health officials have identified the following locations as potential exposure sites:
- Travelers at the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX on March 5 between 7 and 10:40 p.m.
- Visitors to Cloud 9 Nail Salon in north Hollywood (5142 N. Lankershim Blvd.) on March 7 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Customers of Superior Grocers at 10683 Valley Blvd. in El Monte on March 10 between 8:15 and 10:30 a.m.
Measles Outbreak: A Growing Concern
As of March 11, California has five reported cases of measles amid an expanding outbreak in the U.S. The situation is part of a larger national trend.
The CDC reports 222 cases across the nation in states including Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington.
The county health department notes that all measles cases diagnosed in California thus far involve individuals who traveled internationally.
Nationwide, at least 17% of cases have required hospitalization, and two people have died from complications. The majority of these cases involve individuals who were not immunized.
the Importance of Vaccination
Health officials emphasize that the best protection against measles is the measles,mumps,and rubella (MMR) vaccine. two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles, while one dose is about 93% effective. The CDC recommends getting the first dose of the MMR vaccine at ages 12 to 15 months and the second dose at 4 to 6 years of age.
What to Do If You’ve Been Exposed to Measles
If you were at any of the potential exposure locations,take the following steps:
- Review your immunization and medical records to determine if you’re protected against measles. If you have not had measles or the vaccine, you are at risk.
- Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or haven’t been immunized. Parents of possibly exposed infants should contact their pediatrician.
- Monitor yourself for symptoms, such as fever or an unexpected rash, for seven to 21 days after potential exposure.
- If symptoms develop, stay home and contact a healthcare facility before visiting, to inform them of your exposure and symptoms.
Measles Symptoms and Timeline
Symptoms can appear seven to 21 days after exposure. Individuals who remain symptom-free for more than 21 days after potential exposure are no longer at risk.
Common Measles Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red and watery eyes
- Rash
A rash may develop on the face and upper neck seven to 18 days after exposure, spreading to the hands and feet over three days. The rash typically lasts for five or six days before fading.
Potential Complications
The World Health Institution (WHO) notes that measles can lead to severe complications, including blindness, encephalitis (brain swelling), severe diarrhea and dehydration, ear infection, pneumonia, and, in certain specific cases, death.
Complications are most common in children under 5 and adults over 30.
HereS a Q&A-style article about measles, incorporating details from the provided article about the Los Angeles County case and expanding with details from the search results to create a complete and evergreen resource.
Measles: What You Need to No About the Outbreak in Los Angeles County and Beyond
Measles is a highly contagious disease that’s making headlines again. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your community.
Q&A: Measles Outbreak and Prevention
Q: What is the current situation with measles in Los angeles County?
A: As of March 11, 2025, Los Angeles County public health officials confirmed a measles case in a county resident. This is the first case this year and the second in 2025 where an infected individual passed through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The infected resident arrived at LAX on March 5 via a China Airlines flight (Terminal B).
Q: Where were the locations of potential measles exposure in Los Angeles county?
A: Health officials have identified the following locations as potential exposures sites:
Travelers at the Tom Bradley international Terminal at LAX on March 5 between 7 and 10:40 p.m.
Visitors to Cloud 9 Nail Salon in north Hollywood (5142 N. Lankershim Blvd.) on March 7 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
customers of Superior Grocers at 10683 Valley Blvd. in El Monte on March 10 between 8:15 and 10:30 a.m.
Q: How widespread is the measles outbreak in the United States?
A: The CDC reports 222 cases across the nation in states including Alaska, California, Florida, georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, texas, and Washington. At least 17% of cases have required hospitalization, and two people have died from complications.
Q: How is measles transmitted?
A: Measles is extremely contagious. It spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. you can contract measles just by being in a room where an infected person has been, even up to two hours after they have left. Transmission can also occur by touching an infected surface.
Q: What are the symptoms of measles?
A: Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and can include:
High fever
cough
Runny nose
red and watery eyes
Rash (which develops on the face and upper neck, spreading to the hands and feet)
Q: When is someone no longer at risk after potential exposure?
A: Individuals who remain symptom-free for more than 21 days after potential exposure are no longer considered at risk.
Q: What are the potential complications of measles?
A: Measles can lead to serious complications, including:
Blindness
Encephalitis (brain swelling)
Severe diarrhea and dehydration
Ear infection
Pneumonia
In certain cases, death. Complications are most common in children under 5 and adults over 30.
Q: How effective is the measles vaccine (MMR)?
A: Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles, while one dose is about 93% effective.
Q: What is the recommended MMR vaccine schedule?
A: The CDC recommends the first dose of the MMR vaccine at ages 12 to 15 months and the second dose at 4 to 6 years of age.
Q: What should I do if I think I’ve been exposed to measles?
A: if you were at any of the potential exposure locations, take these steps:
- Check your immunization records: determine if you’re protected against measles. If you haven’t had measles or the vaccine, you are at risk.
- Contact your doctor: Especially if you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or haven’t been immunized. Parents of possibly exposed infants should contact their pediatrician.
- Monitor for symptoms: Watch for fever or an unexpected rash for 7 to 21 days after potential exposure.
- If symptoms develop: Stay home and contact a healthcare facility before visiting, to inform them of your exposure and symptoms.
Q: Who should make sure they are vaccinated against measles?
A: The following groups should ensure they are vaccinated against measles:
Healthcare personnel.
Close contacts of immunocompromised people.
People with HIV infection.
Adults who got inactivated measles vaccine
Q: Is there a measles vaccine booster?
A: Generally, if you have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, you are considered protected. However, in outbreak situations, public health officials may recommend a booster for certain individuals. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Q: Why are measles outbreaks a growing concern?
A: Measles outbreaks are a growing concern due to a combination of factors, including international travel and declining vaccination rates. Misinformation about vaccines contributes to lower vaccination rates, making communities more vulnerable to outbreaks.
Q: Where can I find more information about measles?
A: You can find more information about measles from these resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/vaccine-considerations/index.html
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/what-to-know-about-measles-and-vaccines
By staying informed and ensuring you and your family are vaccinated, you can help protect your community from measles.