Los Angeles County health officials are sounding the alarm after a traveler with a confirmed case of measles passed through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) while infectious. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reports, that a non-resident arrived on Norse Atlantic Airways flight Z0711 at the Tom Bradley International Terminal B, Gate 202 on July 26, at 2:18 p.m. and subsequently headed to Orange County.
According to a notice posted by the Department, travelers and visitors at LAX's Tom Bradley International Terminal and Terminal B between approximately 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on that date, may be at risk of contracting measles. Adding to this concern, the Orange County Healthcare Agency is currently working on pinpointing other potential exposure sites in Orange County.
There's a collaborative effort between the Centers for Disease Control and local health agencies to contact passengers on the affected Norse Atlantic Airways flight directly if they were seated in close proximity to the infected traveler. This level of caution is in light of measles' high contagion risk and the recent uptick in cases – a current total of 188 reported this year, which overshadows last year's cumulative count.
Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer, warned, "Measles spreads easily through the air and on surfaces and easily between people who are not already protected from it." In what might read as a page out of a medical journal, the symptoms of measles can take anywhere from 7 to 21 days to develop post-exposure, and it's during this period that vigilance becomes key. Those without previous immunization or unknown immunization histories, particularly, are encouraged to confirm their vaccination status and seek medical advice if needed.
For individuals potentially exposed, the advice is straightforward – review immunization records, consult healthcare providers if in a susceptible group, such as pregnant women, infants, or those with a compromised immune system, and keep an eye out for symptoms like fever, rash, cough, or conjunctivitis. Moreover, measles vaccination, which is highly effective, remains the best defense, with two doses of MMR boasting a 97% effectiveness rate. The Department's bulletin emphasizes available vaccine resources, including free or low-cost options via the Vaccines for Children (VFC) and Vaccines for Adults (VFA) programs for those uninsured or underinsured.
