A traveler with a highly contagious disease passed through a busy airport in Southern California during the summer travel season, possibly exposing numerous passengers.
Los Angeles County health officials are looking into a confirmed measles case linked to an individual who was infectious while at Hollywood Burbank Airport and a nearby rental car facility.
Remarkably, this marks the seventh reported measles case in Los Angeles County this year.
Officials mentioned that anyone who was at Gate A4 at Hollywood Burbank Airport on June 17 between 8:45 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. may have been exposed to the virus.
Passengers seated near the infected individual will be contacted by their local health departments, as reported.
There were also potential exposures at Thrifty Rental Car Service, situated at 2627 N. Hollywood Way in Burbank, during specified times on both June 17 and June 18.
People present during those periods could develop measles within seven to 21 days post-exposure.
Health officials believe those who have had measles or received the proper vaccination are likely shielded but should still keep an eye out for any symptoms. If someone remains symptom-free for more than 21 days following exposure, they are not considered at risk anymore.
The window to monitor symptoms for those exposed at the airport or rental car service is approaching; July 8 is the last day to watch for symptoms for the June 17 exposure, and July 9 for the June 18 exposure.
Public health officials continue to investigate this case to see if there are any other locations where exposures might have occurred.
This alert comes right as summer travel peaks, with many people arriving in Los Angeles for World Cup events, raising public health concerns.
Just last week, officials had issued another warning about a possible measles exposure connected to Los Angeles International Airport, a nearby hotel, and its shuttle service.
Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes, and the virus can remain airborne or on surfaces for hours.
Common symptoms include fever above 101°F, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, followed by a rash that typically starts on the face before moving to the body.
