Health officials are urging travelers to ensure they are vaccinated, as U.S. measles cases are at a 30-year high.
Measles outbreak: Who’s at risk and who’s likely immune from virus
As measles continue to spread in the U.S., here’s who is at risk and who’s immune from one of the most contagious viruses in the world.
- Los Angeles County has confirmed three measles cases within one week, all linked to recent international travel.
- Potential exposure sites include Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), a Dunkin’ Donuts and a restaurant in Sherman Oaks.
- An international traveler with measles also visited Disneyland Resort in neighboring Orange County.
In the span of a week, Los Angeles County public health officials have confirmed three measles cases with one thing in common: Each person recently traveled internationally.
Orange County officials also said one of those travelers flew into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) before visiting Disneyland Resort.
Measles cases in the United States are the highest they’ve been in more than 30 years. Los Angeles County is urging travelers to ensure they have immunity before setting off on trips.
Here’s what we know about these recent cases and the highly contagious illness.
First measles case
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced their first confirmed measles case of 2026 on Jan. 30.
According to a news release, the person was a local resident who recently traveled internationally.
At the time, there were no known public exposure locations in the county, aside from health care settings, where potentially impacted patients and staff were being notified directly.
Second measles case
The second confirmed measles case involved an international traveler who flew into LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal, Terminal B, on Jan. 26.
According to a news release, the traveler arrived at Gate 201A, on Viva Aerobus Flight 518.
“Individuals who were at Terminal B from 10:45 p.m. on January 26 to 1 a.m. on January 27 may have been exposed to the measles virus,” the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said. Flyers who were seated nearby will be notified by their local health departments.
Those who visited a Dunkin’ Donuts location at 22020 Ventura Blvd. in Woodland Hills on Jan. 30 may have been exposed, as well. Officials listed the exposure window as between 3 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.
The same traveler also visited Disneyland, the LA County Department of Public Health told USA TODAY. The OC Health Care Agency said an international traveler with measles who flew into LAX also visited Goofy’s Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel on the morning of Jan. 28, followed by Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park from 12:30 p.m. until closing time.
In a statement to USA TODAY, Disney Experiences Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel said area health authorities notified the resort about the case on Jan. 31. “We are closely following all guidance and recommendations by local health officials to support the well-being of our guests and cast members,” Hymel said.
Third measles case
Officials are investigating a third case in a resident “who recently traveled internationally and visited at least one public location in LA County while infectious,” a news release said. People who were at Sherman Oaks’ Mardi Gras Tuesday restaurant at 14543 Ventura Blvd. between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 24 may have been exposed.
What are measles symptoms?
Measles is highly transmissible, and typically starts with a cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes and a high fever, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those may be followed by small white spots in the mouth within two or three days, and a rash usually beginning on the face before spreading downward.
The first symptoms typically present seven to 14 days after exposure. Measles can result in serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis and death.
“The best way to protect against measles is to get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine,” the health agency said. “Children may get the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine instead, which protects against chickenpox too.”
Protection provided by the vaccine typically lasts a lifetime.
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