Measles Exposure Alert in LA County

Los Angeles County public health officials said on July 8 that a traveler with measles may have exposed people at Los Angeles International Airport, on a Hertz rental car shuttle and in a healthcare setting while infectious. The county said the traveler arrived on British Airways Flight 281 at the Tom Bradley International Terminal on July 3. Officials said this is the seventh measles case reported by Public Health in 2026. The affected healthcare facility is notifying patients and staff directly, while the county continues to look for any other exposure sites. ### Where were people potentially exposed? Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said people at Gate 155 in Terminal B at LAX on July 3 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. may have been exposed. The traveler arrived on British Airways Flight 281, the county said. Passengers seated near the infected traveler will be notified through their local health departments in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to the county. (publichealth.lacounty.gov) The county also listed the Hertz car rental shuttle from LAX as a potential exposure site on July 3 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Public Health said at least one healthcare setting was involved, but did not identify it publicly, saying the facility is contacting potentially exposed patients and staff directly. (publichealth.lacounty.gov) ### Why does the county call this the seventh case if its measles page showed six? Los Angeles County’s measles surveillance page showed a 2026 case count of six as of June 24. The same page says counts are updated through the listed date and are generally based on a case’s usual place of residence, not where exposure happened. The July 8 press release said the newly announced traveler case is the seventh measles case reported by Public Health in 2026. (publichealth.lacounty.gov) The county’s measles page also says public notices are issued as needed when a confirmed case, regardless of jurisdiction, creates a community exposure risk in Los Angeles County. (publichealth.lacounty.gov) ### What should exposed people do now? Public Health said people who were at the listed locations should confirm whether they are protected against measles and watch for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. The county said people who have had measles before or received the recommended vaccine are likely protected, but should still monitor for symptoms. Anyone who remains symptom-free for more than 21 days after exposure is no longer considered at risk, officials said. (publichealth.lacounty.gov) KTLA, citing the county, reported the last day to monitor for symptoms for the airport gate and shuttle exposures is July 24. Public Health said people who are pregnant, immunocompromised, infants or unimmunized should contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible after a potential exposure. If symptoms develop, the county said, people should stay home, avoid school, work and large gatherings, and call a provider before seeking care. (publichealth.lacounty.gov) ### What symptoms are officials telling people to watch for? Los Angeles County’s measles information page says measles is a serious respiratory disease caused by an airborne virus. The county says symptoms can include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and later a rash. KTLA reported the county said fever can rise above 104 degrees Fahrenheit and symptoms usually appear within 7 to 14 days. (ktla.com) The county’s measles page says nine out of 10 unvaccinated people who come into close contact with an infected person can become infected. Public Health says vaccination with the measles-mumps-rubella shot is the most effective protection, with one dose about 93% effective at preventing measles. ### What is the county saying about vaccination and travel? (publichealth.lacounty.gov) Los Angeles County Public Health said measles outbreaks are continuing in the United States and internationally and urged residents to make sure they are fully protected before traveling. The county said children 12 months and older are considered fully protected after two doses of MMR, and infants older than 6 months who are traveling internationally or to domestic areas with ongoing outbreaks can receive an early dose. (publichealth.lacounty.gov) July 24 is the county’s stated end date for symptom monitoring tied to the two public exposure locations announced so far. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said it is still identifying any additional exposure sites and has posted measles updates, vaccine information and multilingual fact sheets on its measles information pages. (publichealth.lacounty.gov)