A recent case of measles at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has raised concerns about the spread of the highly contagious disease. The patient, who was infected with the virus while traveling, may have exposed others on a China Airlines flight that landed at LAX.
According to officials, the person visited a nail salon and a grocery store while infectious, putting others at risk. To minimize exposure, authorities are urging people who were on the flight or in close contact with the individual to confirm their vaccination status against measles.
This case is part of a growing trend of measles outbreaks in the US and internationally. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has reported a significant increase in cases this year, with 32,265 people diagnosed with measles in the EU/EEA from February 2024 to January 2025.
Measles can spread easily through the air and on surfaces, posing serious health risks. Experts stress that vaccination is crucial to preventing the disease, particularly for those who are not immunized.
“Measles outbreaks happen both in the US and internationally,” said Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County health officer. “It’s essential for anyone who has not been vaccinated to get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.”
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/la-county-reports-first-measles-case-2025-lax-traveler-cases-confirmed-philadelphia-ny