Health officials are raising the alarm after thousands of people may have been exposed to measles at two high-traffic locations in Southern California.
The potential exposure comes after a traveler, later confirmed to have the virus, visited Disneyland in Anaheim and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
The warning is especially concerning because measles is highly contagious, and both locations attract tens of thousands of visitors every day.
Details of the Exposure
According to the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA), the traveler visited Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28.
Later the same day, the person entered Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park from 12:30 p.m. until closing at 9 p.m.
At LAX, the individual arrived on Monday, January 26, at the Tom Bradley International Terminal B on Viva Aerobus flight No. 518, and may have exposed people in the terminal between 10:45 p.m. and 1 a.m. on Tuesday, according to the County of Los Angeles Public Health.
With Disneyland Park seeing roughly 47,500 guests per day and Disney California Adventure drawing 27,500 visitors daily, the potential number of exposed individuals is substantial.
Officials Urge Vigilance
Authorities are urging anyone who visited these locations during the times mentioned to check their immunity status, either through prior infection or vaccination, and to monitor for symptoms.
The measles incubation period ranges from 7 to 21 days, meaning exposed individuals may not show symptoms immediately.
“This is a critical time to ensure vaccination coverage is up-to-date,” public health officials emphasized, highlighting the continued risk despite measles being a preventable disease.
Rising Measles Numbers Across the U.S.
California has reported three confirmed measles cases this year.
Meanwhile, South Carolina is grappling with a major outbreak that has already surpassed last year’s Texas outbreak.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reports 847 cases since October 2025, with 558 of those in 2026 alone.
Authorities have quarantined 443 people, isolated 20, and placed about a dozen schools under quarantine measures. So far, 19 hospitalizations have occurred, but no deaths have been reported in 2026.
Nationally, the CDC reported 588 measles cases as of January 29, though state data suggests the actual numbers may be higher.
Johns Hopkins’ Center for Outbreak Response Innovation (CORI) puts the nationwide count at 658 cases, with 524 in South Carolina.
Spread Beyond South Carolina
Cases linked to the outbreak have appeared in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, California, Arizona, Minnesota, Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
Some cases in North Carolina, Washington, and California trace directly back to South Carolina’s outbreak.
This pattern underscores the highly contagious nature of measles, especially in airports, planes, and crowded public spaces.
Understanding Measles and Its Risks
Measles is a viral infection that causes flu-like symptoms, a rash starting on the face and spreading downward, and in severe cases, pneumonia, seizures, brain inflammation, permanent brain damage, and death.
The virus spreads through airborne droplets, meaning that simply being in the same room as someone infected—even briefly—can result in transmission.
Infected individuals are contagious from four days before the rash appears to four days after.
Measles in the U.S.: A Preventable Threat
Although the U.S. officially eliminated measles in 2000 thanks to the widespread MMR vaccine, outbreaks continue to occur due to pockets of unvaccinated individuals and international travel.
Enclosed, high-traffic spaces like airports and theme parks remain particularly risky for spreading the virus.
Public health officials urge everyone to confirm vaccination status, especially when traveling or visiting crowded attractions, as vigilance remains the best defense against this highly contagious disease.
