Measles Scare at LAX: Urgent Health Warning Issued for Travelers

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) | Credits: Getty Images
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) | Credits: Getty Images

United States: Los Angeles County public health authorities have been apprised of a measles case involving a traveler transiting through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) last week.

The individual arrived at the Tom Bradley International Terminal B of LAX at approximately 3 pm, disembarking from Lufthansa Flight LH 452 on Sunday. Subsequently, the traveler proceeded to Terminal 7, Gate 82, to board Flight LH 7852 at 8 pm the same evening, as disclosed in a communiqué from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

“There are no further locations identified where potential exposures to this traveler might have occurred,” stated the official release.

Visual Representation for Measles causes virus | Credits: Science Photo Library

Under this regard, the health bodies advise every person that might be affected to make sure that they consult with their healthcare provider to confirm whether they were vaccinated against measles or not. As officials pointed out, only those individuals who have not had measles before and have not got vaccinated can get infected by the virus. Incubation period is from 7- 21 days after exposure to contamination with infected materials.

“Measles transmits through airborne particles and direct contact, often before symptoms manifest, leading to serious illness,” remarked Dr Muntu Davis, LA County Health Officer. “It is exceedingly contagious for non-immune individuals. Initially presenting with fever, cough, and conjunctivitis, it is followed by a rash and can cause severe complications in young children and vulnerable adults.”

Symptoms of measles typically include:

– Fever exceeding 101 degrees Fahrenheit,

– Persistent cough,

– Nasal discharge,

– Conjunctivitis,

– Tiny white spots emerging within the oral cavity two to three days after initial symptoms,

– A rash appearing three to five days post initial symptoms.

Visual Representation for rashes caused due to measles | Credits: Getty Images

The symptoms of measles, especially rashes, commonly start around the facial area before they spread throughout the human body, as Identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It has a high mode of transmission, especially through aerosols, droplets that are produced by the during talking, breathing, coughing, or sneezing by an infected person. This virus can still be spread through air and contact with surfaces after the affected contender has left the premise.

Moreover, the contagion period extends from four days before to four days after the rash becomes visible, officials elaborated.