Travelers with measles land at Los Angeles International Airport and live in nearby Hilton
Health officials announced Thursday that an outdoor traveler passed by Los Angeles International Airport this month and stayed at a local hotel.
Los Angeles County public health officials are investigating two locations in Los Angeles that the man visited when he was contagious, according to a press release. Other public places where possible exposure to infection are Lax and Hilton Los Angeles Airport, located at 5711 W. Century Blvd.
The person landed at Los Angeles International Airport on July 5; the exact time and flight information are still under investigation, according to the department. Infected people start at Hilton at 7:30 pm on July 5 and check out at 1 pm on July 7.
The department urges individuals at these locations to monitor potential symptoms for at least three weeks during these days. Symptoms include high fever, cough or red eyes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They were also urged to confirm their MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination status. Those who are not yet immune are at a higher risk of infection.
As The Times reported last month, the U.S. is in the middle of its biggest measles outbreak in decades, with California already reporting more cases of the disease than last year.
The news said that as the outbreaks within the United States and internationally increase, summer travel can improve exposure and transmission levels.
“Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can linger in the air and on the surface, making it easy to spread, especially in people who are not yet protected,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, a Los Angeles County health official. “A person can spread the disease to others before he has it, and symptoms can take between 7 and 21 days after exposure.”
The department encourages all residents to review their immunization records, contact their healthcare providers to understand potential contacts (especially in pregnancy or weak immune systems), and to avoid large gatherings when symptoms arise.
But the most effective preventive measure against measles is immunity, Davis said. “The best way to protect yourself and your family from infection is to use an efficient measles vaccine,” he said.
