The first measles case of 2025 has been confirmed in a Los Angeles County resident, a serious public health emergency. The individual had recently traveled through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and the Department of Health is taking rapid action to prevent the potential spread of the infection.
The Department of Health said that certain passengers on China Airlines flight CAL8/CI8 that arrived in Los Angeles on March 5 will be notified in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In addition, those who were present at the following locations during the specified times may also be at risk:
March 5, 7:00 PM – 10:40 PM: Tom Bradley International Terminal, LAX Airport
March 7, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Cloud 9 Nail Salon, North Hollywood
March 10, 8:15 AM – 10:30 AM: Superior Grocery Store, El Monte
Measles Transmission and Prevention
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause serious physical complications. According to the CDC, if someone is not vaccinated or has not previously had the disease, 9 out of 10 people are at risk of getting the disease if they come into contact with an infected person.
National and International Context
In addition to Los Angeles, Fresno County has also confirmed a measles case. Orange County also recently reported a case in a child who traveled through LAX airport.
The measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico has become more serious.
Texas: 223 confirmed cases, including 29 hospitalized. In February, an unvaccinated child died from the disease.
New Mexico: 30 confirmed cases.
Vermont: Measles diagnosed in a school-age child for the first time.
The importance of vaccination
Experts believe that low vaccination rates are the main reason for the outbreak. “Measles is not a common childhood infection,” said New York State Health Department Commissioner Jim McDonald. “More than one in five people in Texas has been hospitalized, which highlights the severity of the disease.”
Dr. Paul Offit, who is involved in vaccine education, said, “If vaccination rates drop, children will be exposed to a dangerous disease like measles again. It is preventable, and we must be vigilant.”
Precautions and actions
The Los Angeles Health Department is encouraging the public to get vaccinated, as it is the most effective way to protect against serious infections like measles.
If you have traveled to the areas mentioned and experience symptoms such as fever, cough, red eyes or a rash, seek medical advice without delay. To ensure public health protection, increasing awareness of infection prevention and getting vaccinated is very important.