The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed a case of measles in a traveler who passed through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) while infectious. The individual arrived on Korean Air Flight 11 at the Tom Bradley International Terminal B on February 19. This flight is part of Korean Air’s nonstop service from Seoul to Los Angeles.
The health department has warned that anyone present at Terminal B between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on February 19 may be at risk of developing measles due to exposure. In collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), passengers seated near the infected individual on Korean Air Flight 11 will be notified by local health departments. These agencies routinely work together to investigate potential disease exposures on international flights entering the United States.
According to the Orange County Health Care Agency, the infected traveler has been identified as an infant returning from international travel. Fortunately, there were no additional community exposures reported due to the patient. Health officials emphasize that potential exposure to measles can lead to severe outcomes, especially for young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can result in serious health complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death, particularly in young children who are not vaccinated. Dr. Regina Chinisio-Kwong, Orange County Health Officer, stresses the importance of vaccination. Individuals who were at the Tom Bradley International Terminal between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on February 19, and who have not been vaccinated, should be vigilant for symptoms from seven to 21 days after exposure.
Common symptoms of measles include a high fever (above 101 degrees), cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, followed by a rash that typically starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body 3-5 days after initial symptoms. It is crucial for exposed individuals to verify their immunization status and seek vaccination if necessary.
Residents of Los Angeles County can find additional information on measles here. Orange County residents can access resources from their local health department here. Currently, there are two ongoing measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico, with the unfortunate loss of an unvaccinated child in Lubbock, Texas, marking the first measles-related death in the U.S. since 2015.
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