A potential measles outbreak is causing concern at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), with health officials urging travelers to take precautions.
The warning comes after a passenger who arrived on a Korean Air flight from Seoul tested positive for the highly contagious virus.
The disease, which is already spreading rapidly in Texas, has now put travelers at risk.
Who Is at Risk?
Authorities have identified Terminal B at LAX as a potential exposure site.
Anyone who was in this terminal on February 19 between 1 PM and 4 PM may have been exposed to measles.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in collaboration with the CDC, is working to notify passengers who may have come into close contact with the infected traveler.
Health experts strongly advise people who were present at LAX during that time to check their vaccination status.
Those who have not been vaccinated or are unsure should consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Why Is Measles a Concern?
Measles spreads through direct contact with infected droplets or through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.
The virus is highly contagious and can linger in the air for up to two hours, increasing the risk of transmission in crowded places like airports.
Symptoms usually appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and start with flu-like signs, including fever, cough, and a runny nose.
This is followed by tiny white spots inside the mouth and a red rash that spreads across the body.
In severe cases, measles can lead to complications like pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death.
Measles Cases Rising in the U.S.
The U.S. is currently seeing a rise in measles cases, with experts linking the trend to declining vaccination rates.
This week, the country reported its first measles-related death in nearly a decade.
The victim, an unvaccinated child from West Texas, succumbed to the disease after being hospitalized in Lubbock.
As of February 25, there have been at least 124 confirmed measles cases nationwide, with 18 hospitalizations.
The majority of infections are among children, particularly those who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
Vaccination Rates Falling Below Safe Levels
The measles vaccine (MMR) is highly effective, offering 97% protection against the virus.
It is a requirement for school attendance in most states, but exemptions based on religious or personal beliefs are allowed in some areas, including Texas.
Over the past decade, vaccine exemptions have increased across the country, rising from 0.76% in 2014 to 3.3% during the 2023-2024 school year.
Meanwhile, overall vaccination coverage among kindergartners has dropped to 93%, falling below the 94% threshold needed for herd immunity.
In Texas, only 91% of children have received the MMR vaccine, putting the state below the ideal protection level.
What Should You Do?
Health officials recommend that anyone who may have been exposed monitor for symptoms until March 11.
If no symptoms appear after 21 days, they are no longer considered at risk.
However, those who develop symptoms should seek medical attention immediately and avoid contact with others to prevent further spread.
Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, “Measles spreads easily through the air and can be dangerous, especially for young children and vulnerable adults.
The best protection is the measles vaccine.”
As measles cases continue to climb, public health officials are urging families to stay up to date on vaccinations to prevent future outbreaks.
If you’re unsure about your vaccination status, check with your doctor and take steps to protect yourself and your community.