Los Angeles, California – Public health officials in Los Angeles County have reported the first case of measles in a county resident this year, marking the second individual known to have passed through Los Angeles International Airport in 2025. The infected resident, who traveled while contagious, arrived at LAX on a China Airlines flight in the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) on March 5, according to the L.A. County Department of Public Health. Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through the air and via droplets, potentially leading to serious health complications and even death.
Measles can be transmitted when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, or through contact with contaminated surfaces. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes the extreme contagiousness of measles, stating that individuals can contract the virus by simply being in the same room as an infected person up to two hours after the infected person has left. This recent case follows another instance where an infected individual exposed others at LAX last month. An infected infant returning to Orange County arrived at the airport on a Korean Air flight in Terminal B.
Health officials have identified specific locations the infected person visited after arriving at LAX, potentially exposing others to the measles virus. These locations include Cloud 9 Nail Salon in North Hollywood and Superior Grocers in El Monte. The California Department of Public Health has confirmed five reported cases of measles as of March 11, amidst a growing outbreak in the U.S. Fresno County also reported its first case of measles recently, with the infected individual unknowingly becoming contagious after attending a religious convention in Madera County.
Measles cases in California have all been linked to individuals who traveled internationally. The majority of cases across the nation have been among unvaccinated individuals, with about 17% requiring hospitalization due to complications or for isolation purposes. Two deaths have been reported from measles complications. Health officials stress the importance of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine as the best protection against measles, with two doses of the vaccine being up to 97% effective. The CDC recommends children receive the first dose of the MMR vaccine between ages 12-15 months and the second dose at ages 4-6 years.
Individuals who may have been exposed to the infected traveler are advised to review their immunization records, monitor for symptoms, and contact their healthcare provider if necessary. Symptoms of measles can appear between seven to 21 days after exposure and may include fever, cough, runny nose, rash, and other complications. Health experts warn of severe complications from measles, particularly in young children and older adults.