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Public Health Warns of Possible Measles Exposure Locations

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The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) confirmed one case of measles in a person who arrived at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on United Airlines flight 240 and traveled through Los Angeles County while infectious, beginning on March 5, 2019. This measles case is not known to be related to the case announced earlier this month. Persons who may have been on-site at the date and time for either of the below two locations may be at risk of developing measles for up to 21 days after being exposed.

The following places were visited by the confirmed case:

  • LAX, Terminal 7, Gate 76A on March 5, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Enterprise Rent-A-Car (1719 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 90403) on March 6, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

There is no known current risk related to measles that exists at these venues at this time.

"We may continue to see measles cases that travel through LA County, so it is important if you or someone you know has been exposed to or has measles to contact your healthcare provider by phone right away before going in," said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. "People who may have been exposed to measles and who have not been immunized, may receive measles immunization and be protected from developing the disease. Getting immunized is the best way to keep from getting and spreading measles"

Individuals on the flight have been separately contacted. Individuals who have been free of symptoms for more than 21 days are no longer at risk.

Common symptoms of this highly contagious illness include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (red eyes) and a rash which usually appears 10 to 21 days after the exposure. Individuals should contact their healthcare provider if they develop measles symptoms. If exposed individuals have not developed symptoms by March 27, 2019, or earlier as noted above, they are no longer considered at risk of developing measles from this exposure. Although LA County has no cases for 2019, Public Health has responded to three nonresident cases that traveled through LA County this year. Measles immunizations are available at your healthcare provider, local pharmacy or health clinic. Public Health clinics offer no or low-cost immunizations for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. To find a nearby Public Health clinic, call 2-1-1 or visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/chs/phcenters.htm .

For more information about measles, visit: http:/ /publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/measles or call 2-1-1.

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of over 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,100 employees and has an annual budget of $1 billion. To learn more about Los Angeles County Public Health, please visit www.publichealth .lacounty.gov, and follow LA County Public Health on social media at twitter.com/lapubl ichealthinstagram.com /lapublichealthfacebook.com/l apublichealth and youtube.com/lap ublichealth.