California health officials are warning of potential measles exposure after a resident who traveled internationally visited several high-traffic locations in the state before the case was confirmed.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has caught several confirmed cases of measles from international travelers in recent days. In one of the cases, the traveler visited several high-traffic locations, risking potential exposure of hundreds or thousands of others before the case was caught, according to Fox News.
The high-traffic locations include the Los Angeles International Airport and Disneyland. Both locations are visited by thousands of people daily who often travel from distant regions inside and outside of the United States.
The infected person was in the Los Angeles airport’s B terminal around midnight on the night of January 26. The traveler was at the Disneyland hotel and the Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure on January 28.
Regarding another case of measles confirmed by the Los Angeles County health department, an infected person visited the Mardi Gras Tuesday restaurant on Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks north of Los Angeles on January 24.
Another infected person visited a Dunkin’ Donuts on Ventura in Woodland Hills on January 30.
“Measles is extremely contagious and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death,” Los Angeles County health officer Muntu Davis warned in a statement.
“With cases rising, it is critical that everyone ensures they are protected. The MMR vaccine remains the strongest and most effective way to protect yourself, your family, and your community,” he continued. Before traveling, confirm your immunity and get the MMR vaccine if needed. It’s a simple step that makes a meaningful difference for your health and the health of those around you.”
Absent protective steps, measles is a highly contagious disease that can infect the vast majority of people who come into contact with it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“Some people think of measles as just a little rash and fever that clear up in a few days. But measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years old,” the CDC says. “Measles is highly contagious. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected.”
The CDC has confirmed hundreds of cases of the disease in the United States so far this year.
“As of January 29, 2026, 588 confirmed measles cases were reported in the United States in 2026. Among these, 585 measles cases were reported by 17 jurisdictions: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. A total of 3 measles cases were reported among international visitors to the United States,” the agency states.
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