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 announced Friday.
According to the department, the individual was not infectious during travel. However, health officials are working to identify others who may have been exposed and verify their vaccination status.
“Measles is a serious respiratory disease that spreads easily through the air and on surfaces, particularly among people who are not already protected from it,” Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said in a statement. “A person can spread the illness to others before they have symptoms, and it can take seven to twenty-one days for symptoms to show up after exposure. Measles can lead to severe disease in young children and vulnerable adults. The best way to protect yourself and your family from infection is with the highly effective measles vaccine.”
Symptoms of measles include:
- High fever (may spike to more than 104°)
- Cough
- Runny nose (coryza)
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
Symptoms usually appear within 7 to 14 days.
Public Health encourages all residents to:
- Review their immunization and medical records to determine if they are protected against measles, especially before international travel or domestic travel in areas experiencing measles outbreaks.
- If they are pregnant, an infant, have a weakened immune system or are unimmunized, they should contact and notify their health care provider as soon as possible about a potential exposure, regardless of vaccination history.
- If symptoms develop, stay at home and avoid school, work and large gatherings. Call a healthcare provider immediately.
The last confirmed measles case in a Los Angeles County resident occurred in March 2025.
This year, 884 measles cases have been reported in the U.S. as of April 24, with many linked to ongoing outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. Most cases involve unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. Eleven percent of reported cases have required hospitalization, and three people have died from complications, according to Public Health.
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