Los Angeles County reported another measles incident this week involving residents or travelers, urging officials to update their appeals to all residents to ensure they are up to date with vaccinations.
According to the county public health department, the latest case – the fourth so far this year involves visitors who have recently arrived in LA County from other countries.
The measles patients were not infectious during the trip, health officials said, but some people may be exposed to the virus in health facilities. Authorities did not identify any specific sites, but said the health facilities were contacting potentially exposed patients and employees directly.
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and can easily spread on the surface or into the air.
Symptoms of measles include high fevers above 101 degrees, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and rashes. This usually starts from the face and spreads over the rest of the body.
“With LA County residents starting their trip this summer and increasing cases of measles among those who have traveled recently, it reminds us that the best way to protect yourself and your family from infection is a highly effective measles vaccine.”
Health officials generally recommend that babies receive their first measles vaccination at 12-15 months, followed by a second dose between the ages of 4 and 6.
However, young 6-month-old infants need to take the measles vaccine before traveling internationally, and then administer two more doses after their first birthday, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Two doses of the measles vaccine are 97% effective against infection, health officials say.
Measles vaccination is required as a requirement for entering California schools. At 1 year old, children are one year old at a parenting center, but children can receive medical exemptions. State law allows parents to skip vaccinations for children who are enrolled in independent research programs and not receiving classroom-based instruction.
Before the measles vaccine became available in 1963, the disease resulted in 400-500 deaths and 48,000 hospitalizations per year.
Two LA County residents tested positive for measles this year. One recently returned from Texas. This was in the midst of a fatal measles outbreak, with another returning from Taiwan. Residents from non-LA counties also tested positive after arriving on flights from South Korea.
The United States is in the midst of one of the worst years for the last generation of measles, with 935 cases already reported nationwide this year, CDC data shows. Approximately 38% of patients are 5 to 19 years old, while 30% are 4 years old or younger.
Of those confirmed to have measles infection, 96% have not been vaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown, according to the CDC.
The latest measles case count is already the second highest in 2025, and is only eaten by the 1,274 cases reported in all 2019.
CDC morbidity and death week reports show that three confirmed measles deaths have been reported.
LA County officials suggest that, regardless of the history of vaccination, if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, contact your provider as soon as possible, to contact your provider as soon as possible. If the exposed person is an infant or is not vaccinated, the health care provider should also be contacted.
“If you experience symptoms, stay home and avoid school, work or large gatherings,” the county said in a statement. “Please do not enter a healthcare facility before calling and letting you recognize any measles exposure or symptoms.”
According to the CDC, people can spread measles to others four days before the disease’s fine rash appears four days later. People who have not been vaccinated against measles through vaccination or prior infection are at risk of becoming ill within 7-21 days after exposure.
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