Thousands possibly exposed to measles by sick traveler in California

A traveler with measles flew from Munich to Los Angeles and then to the Yosemite area, potentially exposing thousands of people along the way to the highly infectious disease, according to health officials.

The infected passenger, described as a nonresident, arrived at Los Angeles International Airport around 3 p.m. on May 19 aboard Lufthansa flight LH452. After a five-hour layover, they continued their journey to Fresno Yosemite International Airport around 8 p.m. on SkyWest flight SKW5591.

“Measles is spread by air and by direct contact even before you know you have it and can lead to severe disease,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, the Los Angeles County health officer. “Measles is highly contagious for those who are not immune to it.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is highly unlikely for individuals who have previously received the measles vaccine to get infected.

An infection can result in serious complications for young children and vulnerable adults, officials said.

People infected with measles are contagious from about four days before the rash appears to four days afterward. 

Officials advise anyone at either airport on May 19 to check for potential exposure. The health department stated that if individuals do not show symptoms 21 days after exposure, by June 9, they are no longer at risk.

Thus far, there have been no confirmed cases linked to the sick traveler. 

Nationwide, there have been 142 measles cases reported in 21 jurisdictions this year — more than double the number reported all of last year — with approximately half requiring hospitalization. 

More than 90% of those cases are linked to international travel. This often involves unvaccinated Americans traveling to countries where measles is more common, contracting the virus there, and infecting unvaccinated individuals upon returning to the United States.

The U.S. declared measles eliminated in 2000. However, there were several outbreaks in the past decade following drops in vaccination rates worldwide, including the last known outbreak in the Bay Area in Santa Clara County in 2018, which infected seven people.

Reach Aidin Vaziri: [email protected]