Health officials in Los Angeles County have confirmed a case of measles in an individual who recently passed through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) while being infectious. The person arrived on Turkish Airlines flight 009 at the Tom Bradley International Terminal, Gate 157, at 5 p.m. on January 25. Authorities are advising individuals who were in the terminal between 5 and 9 p.m. on that day to assess their vaccination status, monitor their health, and consult a doctor if needed.
Passengers seated near the affected individual on the flight are being notified. The patient also visited a Chick-Fil-A restaurant in Northridge between 8 and 10:30 p.m. on January 25, potentially exposing others at that location.
Residents are being urged to confirm their measles vaccination status, particularly if they haven’t had measles before and haven’t received the vaccine. Unvaccinated individuals or those with an unknown vaccination status who were present at the specified locations during the mentioned date and times are at risk of developing measles within seven to 21 days after exposure.
Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, tiny white spots in the mouth, and a rash that appears three to five days after other signs of illness. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications, especially in young children and vulnerable adults. Health officials recommend individuals who suspect exposure to check their vaccination status and seek medical attention if necessary.