Los Angeles(Thechieftainspear) – Health officials in Los Angeles County have confirmed the first measles case of the year in a local resident, who recently traveled through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The county’s Department of Public Health announced the case on Tuesday, warning that potential exposure may have occurred at several locations.
Passengers on China Airlines flight CAL8/CI8, which landed in Los Angeles on March 5, may have been exposed. Public health authorities, in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are reaching out to those assigned to certain seats to notify them of possible risk.
Additionally, individuals who visited the following locations during the specified timeframes may have been exposed to the virus:
- March 5, 7:00 p.m. – 10:40 p.m.: Tom Bradley International Terminal, LAX
- March 7, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Cloud 9 Nail Salon, 5142 N. Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood
- March 10, 8:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: Superior Grocery Store, 10683 Valley Blvd., El Monte
Measles Cases Reported in Multiple States
Los Angeles County isn’t the only area facing a measles concern. The Fresno County Department of Public Health also confirmed a case on Tuesday, adding to growing reports of infections.
Last month, Orange County health officials identified a measles case in an infant who had traveled through LAX, underscoring concerns over the virus spreading through air travel.
Beyond California, Texas and New Mexico have reported significant outbreaks. Texas has seen at least 223 cases, with 29 patients requiring hospitalization. The outbreak also led to the death of an unvaccinated child in February. Meanwhile, New Mexico has reported 30 cases. Health officials have not determined if the outbreaks in these states are connected but cite declining vaccination rates as a major factor.
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In Vermont, health officials confirmed the state’s first measles case of the year in a school-aged child.
Health Experts Stress Importance of Vaccination
Medical professionals warn that measles is not a mild illness and can lead to severe complications.
“Measles is not just a childhood infection—it can cause serious harm,” said Jim McDonald, New York State Department of Health commissioner. “In Texas, over 20% of those infected have required hospitalization.”
Dr. Paul Offit, Director of Vaccine Education, echoed these concerns. “As vaccination rates decline, we’re seeing preventable illnesses make a comeback. The best protection is ensuring children receive their immunizations.”
Understanding Measles
Measles is an extremely contagious virus that spreads through respiratory droplets. The CDC estimates that one in nine unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles will contract the virus.
Symptoms typically appear one to two weeks after exposure and may initially resemble a common respiratory infection. Early signs include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red eyes
- White spots inside the mouth
Health officials urge anyone who may have been exposed to monitor for symptoms and check their vaccination status to prevent further spread.
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