L.A. County health officials confirm fifth measles case this year

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating a confirmed measles lawsuit successful a nonmigratory who precocious traveled internationally, the bureau said successful a merchandise Saturday.

This is the 5th measles lawsuit identified by the region this twelvemonth arsenic outbreaks summation crossed the U.S. and globally.

The infected nonmigratory arrived astatine the Los Angeles International Airport connected Thursday connected Alaska Airlines Flight 1354. Other travelers astatine Tom Bradley International Terminal B that time betwixt 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. whitethorn person been exposed to the virus, officials said.

Public wellness officials are advising residents to cheque their immunization presumption and ticker for symptoms if exposed. The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is the astir effectual extortion from measles, according to the nationalist wellness department.

“As measles cases increase, it is important that residents instrumentality steps to marque definite they are afloat protected,” L.A. County Health Officer Muntu Davis said successful a statement. “The MMR vaccine is the safest and astir reliable mode to forestall measles and support yourself, your family, and your community.”

In coordination with the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, L.A. County Public Health volition notify travelers seated adjacent the infected idiosyncratic connected the flight.

Affected travelers are astatine hazard of processing measles from 7 to 21 days aft vulnerability to the virus. Symptoms see rash, fever, cough and red, watery eyes.

Measles tin pb to complications including pneumonia, encephalon swelling and adjacent death. Those with symptoms should notify their healthcare installation earlier visiting, officials said.

So acold this year, 1,814 measles cases person been confirmed nationwide, including 48 successful California.

In January, wellness officials recorded the astir magnitude of cases since the U.S. achieved elimination of the microorganism successful 2000.