In Los Angeles County, public health officials have confirmed that a person with a case of measles recently traveled through Los Angeles International Airport. The individual arrived on a Lufthansa flight at the Tom Bradley International Terminal on May 19 while still infected with the highly contagious disease. They spent five hours at the airport before catching a connecting flight out of Terminal 7.
Officials are currently working to notify anyone who may have been sitting near the infected traveler during that time. However, if you were in either of the mentioned terminals during that period, it is advised to monitor yourself for any symptoms of measles. These symptoms include high fever, cough, rash, runny nose, and red watery eyes, and typically appear more than a week after exposure to the virus.
Despite widespread vaccination against measles among children, the World Health Organization reports that over 136,000 people died from the disease in 2022. Most of these deaths were due to unvaccinated individuals or young children. Therefore, it is crucial to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if any symptoms develop.
The incident serves as a reminder of how easily infectious diseases can spread through travel and how important it is for individuals to take precautions when traveling internationally or domestically. It is recommended to consult with healthcare providers before traveling abroad and to ensure that all necessary vaccinations are up-to-date before embarking on any trip.
