The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating a confirmed case of measles in a county resident who recently traveled from Texas, officials said Friday.
According to the department, individuals were not infected during their trip. However, health officials are working to identify other people who may have been exposed and verify the vaccination status.
“Measles is a serious respiratory disease that easily spreads in the air and on the surface, especially among people who are not yet protected,” Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said in a statement. “People can spread the disease to others before they have symptoms, and it can take between 7 and 21 days for symptoms to appear after exposure. Measles can lead to severe illness in young children and vulnerable adults. The best way to protect yourself and your family from infection is a highly effective measles vaccine.”
Symptoms of measles include:
High fever (may increase up to 104°) Coughing nose (Coliza) Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
Symptoms usually appear within 7-14 days.
Public health encourages all residents:
Check your vaccinations and medical records to determine whether you are protected from measles, especially before your international or domestic trip, in areas where you are experiencing measles outbreaks. If they are pregnant, infants, have weakened immune systems or are not immune, they should contact and notify their health care provider as soon as possible about potential exposures, regardless of their vaccination history. If you experience symptoms, stay at home and avoid school, work, or large gatherings. Call your healthcare provider immediately.
The last confirmed measles incident in a Los Angeles County resident occurred in March 2025.
As of April 24th this year, 884 measles cases have been reported in the United States, many of which are linked to ongoing outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. Most often, it includes individuals who have not been vaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. According to public health, 11% of reported cases require hospitalization, and three have died from complications.
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