The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed a measles case involving a person who traveled through LAX while contagious on the day before Thanksgiving.
The non-resident traveler arrived at LAX on Qatar Airways flight QR 0739 at Terminal B on Nov. 27, and was in the airport from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The exposure came during what is considered to be among the busiest travel weeks in the country at one of the busiest airports in the world.
Public Health is warning travelers who were in Terminal B during that time or seated on that flight they may be at risk of developing measles. Local health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are working to notify passengers who may have been exposed.
“Measles spreads easily through the air and on surfaces and easily between people who are not already protected from it,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “The best way to protect yourself and your family from infection is with the highly effective measles vaccine.”
Unimmunized individuals exposed to measles can develop symptoms 7 to 21 days after exposure, including high fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes or rash, Public Health says.
Anyone who was at risk of this recent exposure is urged to review their vaccination records and contact a health care provider if immunocompromised, pregnant, or have an infant.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is 97% effective with two doses and free or low-cost vaccines are available through local clinics for uninsured or underinsured people.
In the U.S., measles cases have more than doubled this year, with 280 reported as of late November. Officials urge timely vaccination to prevent further outbreaks.
For more information about measles, click here.
