LAX and Children’s Hospital of O.C. have confirmed cases of measles.
Authorities in Los Angeles and Orange County are alerting the public that individuals passing through LAX during the busy Thanksgiving travel period, as well as those who have been to Children’s Hospital of Orange County, might have come into contact with measles.
On Thursday, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported a confirmed case of measles linked to a traveler who arrived on Qatar Airways flight QR 0739 at Tom Bradley International Airport Terminal B, Gate 155 on November 27th.
“Individuals who were at Terminal B from approximately 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. may be at risk of developing measles due to exposure to this traveler,” health officials said in a press release. “In collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control, passengers assigned to specific seats that may been exposed on Qatar Airways flight QR 0739 on November 27th, 2024, will be notified by local departments of health.”
A case of measles has been confirmed in an infant who recently returned from international travel, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency. On November 30, health officials reported that the infant was present at the Emergency Department of the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) from noon until 5 p.m.
The infant visited the CHOC Emergency Department on Monday between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m., and again on Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“Officials stated in the press release that the HCA has been collaborating with Children’s Hospital of Orange County to reach out to individuals who might have been exposed to this case and are at heightened risk for severe outcomes, including infants, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that as of November 21, 2024, there have been 280 reported cases of measles across 32 jurisdictions, with California among them. In 2024, 16 outbreaks were reported, with 70% of cases linked to these outbreaks.
The CDC reports that symptoms consist of a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash may develop within three to five days following the initial symptoms.