Health officials have issued a warning after a passenger arriving at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) tested positive for measles.
The infected individual traveled on a Korean Air flight from Seoul on February 19, potentially exposing travelers in Terminal B between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to the highly contagious virus.
Passengers Urged to Check Vaccination Status
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with airport authorities to notify those who may have been exposed. Travelers who were at LAX during the risk window are urged to confirm their measles vaccination status and monitor for symptoms over the next 21 days.
Measles is a highly infectious respiratory disease that spreads through airborne particles and contaminated surfaces. Symptoms typically start with fever, cough, and runny nose before a characteristic rash appears.
First Measles Death in U.S. in a Decade
This health alert comes amid a growing measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, which has already led to the first U.S. measles-related death since 2015. A school-aged child in Gaines County, Texas, who was unvaccinated, succumbed to the disease after being hospitalized last week.
The Texas outbreak has now reached at least 124 confirmed cases, with 18 hospitalizations. A staggering 94% of those infected were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
Falling Vaccination Rates Raise Alarm
The rise in measles cases has been linked to declining vaccination rates. Nationally, the percentage of kindergartners vaccinated against measles has dropped to 93%, below the 94% threshold required for herd immunity. Texas reports even lower rates at 91%, making communities more vulnerable to outbreaks.
Health Officials Warn of Severe Complications
Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis stressed the severity of the situation, warning that measles can lead to life-threatening complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis.
“The best way to protect yourself and your family is through vaccination,” Davis emphasized.
With cases surging and vaccination rates slipping, health experts fear more outbreaks could be on the horizon. Passengers who were potentially exposed at LAX should monitor for symptoms until March 11 and seek medical attention if they experience fever or rash.
