Possible Measles Exposure At SoCal Theme Park

Los Angeles County health officials said on August 5 that a person with measles was infectious while visiting Universal Studios Hollywood on July 26, creating a potential public exposure at one of Southern California’s biggest tourist sites. The county said the person was at the park from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 100 Universal City Plaza in Universal City. Officials said additional locations where exposures may have occurred are still under investigation. People who were at the park during that window were told to review their measles protection and watch for symptoms. ### Which park visitors are included in the warning? Sunday, July 26 is the date Los Angeles County Department of Public Health listed for the possible exposure, and the advisory covers people who were at Universal Studios Hollywood between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. that day. The county did not identify the patient, but said the case involved a person who was infectious while visiting at least one public location in Los Angeles County. (publichealth.lacounty.gov) Universal Studios Hollywood was the only public site named in the August 5 release. The county said other possible exposure locations are being investigated, which means the list could expand as contact tracing continues. ### How long should people monitor for symptoms? August 16, 2026 is the last day the county said exposed visitors should monitor for symptoms. (publichealth.lacounty.gov) Los Angeles County said people at the park during the listed hours may be at risk of developing measles from seven to 21 days after exposure, and anyone who remains symptom-free for more than 21 days is no longer considered at risk. Los Angeles County’s measles guidance says common symptoms include a high fever above 101 degrees, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that usually begins three to five days after other symptoms start. The county says measles is a serious respiratory disease caused by an airborne virus. ### Who is most at risk after this kind of exposure? People who are unimmunized or whose measles vaccination status is unknown are at higher risk and should monitor closely, the county said. (publichealth.lacounty.gov) Los Angeles County said people who have had measles in the past or received the recommended measles vaccine are likely protected, though it still advised them to watch for symptoms after a possible exposure. (publichealth.lacounty.gov) The California Department of Public Health says measles can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, and says two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine provide 97% protection. The state says unvaccinated people are at high risk, with roughly 90% of exposed unvaccinated people likely to contract the disease. ### How many measles cases has California reported this year? (publichealth.lacounty.gov) California had reported 54 confirmed measles cases as of 12 p.m. on August 3, according to the California Department of Public Health. The state’s case table shows Los Angeles County among the counties with reported cases in January, February, May, June and July. Los Angeles County’s measles page showed seven county cases updated through July 24, while also noting that public notices can include infectious people who were present in the county but are not counted in the county total because of where they live or where the investigation is assigned. (cdph.ca.gov) That means the Universal Studios exposure notice does not necessarily change the county’s posted count in the same way a resident case would. ### What are county officials telling people to do now? Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County health officer, said in the release that residents should make sure they are fully protected. “The MMR vaccine is the safest and most reliable way to prevent measles and protect yourself, your family, and your community,” Davis said. He said measles can lead to complications including pneumonia, brain swelling and death. (publichealth.lacounty.gov) Los Angeles County said children 12 months and older are considered fully protected after two doses of MMR vaccine, and infants older than 6 months who are traveling internationally or to domestic areas with ongoing outbreaks can receive an early dose. The county also said summer travel can increase the risk of exposure to infectious diseases and urged residents to confirm immunity before traveling and attending crowded events. (publichealth.lacounty.gov) August 16 is the county’s stated deadline for symptom monitoring tied to the Universal Studios exposure, and Los Angeles County said it is still investigating additional possible exposure sites. Visitors seeking county guidance can use the department’s measles information page and public health hotline as officials continue the investigation. (publichealth.lacounty.gov)