A traveler carrying measles flew from Munich, Germany, by means of Los Angeles on the way in which to Fresno Yosemite Worldwide Airport this month, exposing 1000’s of California vacationers to the extremely infectious illness, well being officers have confirmed.
Officers from the L.A. County Division of Public Well being confirmed the case late Monday, bringing the overall variety of measles instances documented in California to 9 for the yr.
The sick traveler arrived at Los Angeles Worldwide Airport’s Tom Bradley Worldwide Terminal round 3 p.m. Could 19 on a Lufthansa flight, then boarded a connecting flight to Fresno Yosemite round 8 that night time, well being officers from Los Angeles and Fresno confirmed.
To date, no related infections have been reported.
It’s not the primary time this yr that somebody touring in California has toted the virus into Los Angeles.
In February, a neighborhood got here house on a Turkish Airways flight from Istanbul, stopping for dinner at a Northridge Chick-fil-A.
In late March and early April, a sick customer dined on doughnuts and fried hen within the Simpsons space at Common Studios, browsed for souvenirs on the Santa Monica Pier, ate at a string of fast-casual chain eating places throughout town and repeatedly hit the gymnasium at Sheraton Gateway Resort close to LAX earlier than they had been recognized by well being officers.
Measles is about six instances extra infectious than COVID-19 and is incessantly lethal in nations the place it’s endemic. In 2022, about 130,000 individuals are believed to have died from the virus, largely kids.
“Measles is unfold by air and by direct contact even earlier than you recognize you have got it and may result in extreme illness,” mentioned Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County well being officer. “Measles is extremely contagious for many who will not be proof against it. Initially inflicting fever, cough, crimson, watery eyes and adopted by a rash, it may end up in critical problems for younger kids and susceptible adults.”
The newest LAX an infection is considered one of greater than 140 recorded to this point this yr throughout america — greater than double the overall reported in all of final yr.
Greater than half of these instances required hospitalization, officers mentioned. Most had been amongst individuals who had not been inoculated.
Most People are vaccinated towards measles as toddlers, although the speed amongst California kids has dipped lately, elevating fears that the virus may unfold domestically.
