Health Officials Warn of Measles Exposure in Southern California

Health officials are alerting the public to potential measles exposure following visits from foreign travelers to busy spots in Southern California, like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Disneyland Resort.

An individual arrived at Tom Bradley International Terminal B, Gate 201A, on January 26 via Viva Aerobus Flight 518. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) stated that this person might have been infected while in Terminal B between 10:45 p.m. on January 26 and 1 a.m. the following day.

Subsequent Exposure Locations

After arriving at LAX, this individual went to Orange County, where the Orange County Health Department highlighted possible transmission sites for January 28:

• Goofy’s Kitchen (Disneyland Hotel) from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure from 12:30 p.m. until closing

Additionally, exposure was confirmed on January 30 at a Dunkin’ Donuts in Woodland Hills.

The Orange County Health Department warns that those present in these locations during the specified times may be at risk of developing measles within 7 to 21 days after exposure.

Officials advise individuals who were in these areas to check their vaccination status and watch for symptoms for a period of 21 days following potential exposure. Both the Los Angeles and Orange County health departments plan to monitor further and inform those at high risk.

Health experts recommend that anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider before visiting a clinic to minimize the spread of the virus.

Understanding Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if one person is infected, there’s a possibility that up to 90% of nearby individuals without immunity may also contract the disease.

Dr. Anissa Davis, the deputy county health officer in Long Beach, California, emphasized, “Measles doesn’t solely affect international travelers; the risk is present for everyone who’s unprotected. Vaccination is the most effective way to safeguard yourself and loved ones.”

Common symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a distinctive rash that begins on the face and spreads downward. Infected individuals are contagious from four days before to four days after the rash appears.

As of January 30, the CDC reported 588 confirmed measles cases in the United States for the year, marking a stark rise from 2,267 infections noted in 2025—the highest count seen in over 30 years.