Measles Outbreak Spreads As New LA Case Identified

LOS ANGELES, CA — A sixth Los Angeles County resident has contracted measles - the latest in a slow-moving outbreak brought home by international travelers. The latest person to contract measles likely picked up the disease at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on the same day an infected traveler passed through the airport in April.

Officials believe the newest patient could have spread the virus while riding in an airport shuttle and shopping at a Home Depot store in Lancaster.

Health officials are asking anyone who may have been in contact with the infected patient to come forward. Persons who may have been on-site at the date and time for any of the below locations may be at risk of developing measles for up to 21 days after being exposed:

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Tom Bradley International Terminal, on April 23, 2019 between 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Fox Auto Parks LAX Shuttle on April 23, 2019 between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Home Depot, 44226 20th St W, Lancaster, CA 93534, on April 26, 2019 between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

"This sixth case occurred in a Los Angeles County resident after international travel and is not related to any of the measles cases announced earlier this year, according to Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. "Currently, there are six among Los Angeles County residents in 2019, and five non-resident cases that traveled through Los Angeles County."

Most of the infected patients were unvaccinated. The international travelers are believed to have brought the disease back from countries including Vietnam and Thailand.

Public Health officials urge residents, especially those who travel internationally and those who have not been fully immunized against measles, to get the measles immunization in order to better protect their individual health and to prevent the spread of measles to others.

“With widespread outbreaks of measles happening in the United States and internationally, and local cases transmitted within Los Angeles County, this case is a reminder that there is an increased risk of the measles at this time. It is important if you or someone you know has symptoms of measles or has been exposed to measles to contact your healthcare provider by phone right away before going in,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “The best way to protect yourself and to prevent the spread of measles is to get the measles immunization, with two doses of measles immunization being about 97% effective at preventing measles.”

Measles is considered among the most contagious viruses in the world. About 90% of people who have never been immunized against measles become ill 7-21 days after exposure. Common symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis and a rash