Health Alert for Union Station Visitors
Los Angeles County health officials issued a warning on Friday regarding potential exposure to measles for individuals who were at Union Station last weekend. This alert follows an incident involving an infected train passenger.
The unnamed passenger arrived on Amtrak’s Southwest Chief Train 3 at 7:03 a.m. on Saturday and departed at 10:55 a.m. on Amtrak Thruway Bus Route 5717 heading to Bakersfield, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
Anyone present at Union Station between 8 a.m. and noon on Saturday may be at risk of developing measles symptoms between seven to twenty-one days after exposure. Health experts emphasized this timeframe.
Individuals who have previously contracted measles or have received the recommended vaccine are generally considered protected, though they should still watch for symptoms. On the other hand, those who are unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status face a higher risk and should be extra vigilant, as per health department advice.
The last day to monitor for any symptoms is October 3.
Authorities from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, California Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are collaborating with local health departments to inform passengers who were seated near the infected individual on the train or bus about their potential risk.
“As we see more cases of measles, it’s essential for residents to ensure they’re fully protected,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, the Los Angeles County Health Officer.
“The MMR vaccine is the safest and most effective way to prevent measles, ensuring the safety of yourself, your family, and your community,” he added.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. Common symptoms to watch out for include fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that usually appears three to five days after the onset of other symptoms.
The Department of Public Health advised anyone developing symptoms to remain at home and refrain from attending school, work, or social events, and to contact a healthcare provider promptly. Moreover, individuals who might have been exposed should not visit healthcare facilities without prior notification.
According to the Department of Public Health, two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine offer a 97% effectiveness rate against measles, while one dose provides a 93% effectiveness rate.
As of Friday, the nation has seen 3,471 measles cases and four related deaths this year, alongside 39 outbreaks. Notably, 9% of reported cases required hospitalization for complications or isolation.
