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Amid widespread measles outbreak, infectious traveler confirmed at LAX, nearby hotel

Public Health Officials Issue Urgent Warning on Measles Exposure at LAX Airport Hotel

Public health authorities in Los Angeles County have issued a stark warning to travelers and residents who may have been exposed to measles at a popular airport hotel near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The alert comes amid growing concerns over the highly contagious virus, which has seen a resurgence in parts of the United States due to declining vaccination rates and international travel. Officials from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) confirmed that an individual infected with measles was present at the hotel and surrounding areas, potentially exposing hundreds of people to the disease.

The exposure incident occurred over a specific period last week, with health officials pinpointing the dates as July 15 through July 18, 2025. The infected person, whose identity has not been disclosed to protect privacy, is believed to have arrived via an international flight and stayed at the LAX Marriott Hotel, a bustling hub for travelers connecting through one of the nation's busiest airports. According to the LACDPH, the individual visited several public areas within the hotel, including the lobby, elevators, dining facilities, and conference rooms. Additionally, there are reports of the person moving through Terminal 4 and Terminal 5 at LAX, where they may have interacted with passengers, airport staff, and vendors.

Measles is a viral infection that spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can linger in the environment for up to two hours, making crowded places like airports and hotels particularly risky for transmission. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. In severe cases, measles can lead to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death, especially in young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.

Dr. Muntu Davis, the Los Angeles County Public Health Officer, emphasized the urgency of the situation in a press conference held yesterday. "Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to humanity, and with the volume of travel through LAX, this exposure could have far-reaching implications," Davis stated. "We urge anyone who was at the specified locations during those dates to monitor their health closely and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms develop. Vaccination remains our strongest defense against this preventable disease."

The warning has prompted a coordinated response from multiple agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is assisting with contact tracing. Health officials are working to identify and notify individuals who may have been in close proximity to the infected person. This includes reviewing hotel guest lists, flight manifests, and security footage from the airport. However, given the transient nature of airport crowds, not everyone potentially exposed can be directly contacted, which is why the public alert was deemed necessary.

This incident is not isolated. California has experienced sporadic measles outbreaks in recent years, often linked to unvaccinated travelers returning from regions where the disease is more prevalent, such as parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. In 2019, the state saw one of its largest outbreaks in decades, with over 70 cases reported, many tied to Disneyland visitors. That event highlighted vulnerabilities in herd immunity, where high vaccination rates in a community protect those who cannot be vaccinated. Currently, California's measles vaccination rate for kindergarteners hovers around 95%, but pockets of lower coverage exist, particularly in communities with vaccine hesitancy.

Experts point to a combination of factors fueling the resurgence: misinformation about vaccines spread via social media, disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic that delayed routine immunizations, and increased global mobility post-pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a 30% increase in measles cases worldwide in 2023 compared to previous years, underscoring the global threat. In the U.S., the CDC has documented over 150 cases so far in 2025, with clusters in states like Florida, New York, and now potentially California.

For those potentially exposed at the LAX hotel, health officials recommend immediate steps. First, verify vaccination status: Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine provide lifelong protection for most people. If unvaccinated or unsure, individuals should get vaccinated as soon as possible—though it's worth noting that post-exposure vaccination may not prevent infection if administered too late. Those who are immunocompromised or infants too young for the vaccine should seek medical advice promptly, possibly including immune globulin treatment to mitigate risk.

Symptoms to watch for include the initial "three C's"—cough, coryza (runny nose), and conjunctivitis (pink eye)—followed by Koplik's spots inside the mouth and the telltale rash. If symptoms appear, individuals are advised to isolate immediately and contact healthcare providers without visiting emergency rooms unannounced, to avoid further spread. Testing typically involves a blood sample or throat swab to confirm the virus.

The LAX Marriott Hotel has cooperated fully with health investigators, implementing enhanced cleaning protocols and notifying staff. A hotel spokesperson said, "The safety of our guests and employees is our top priority. We are following all guidelines from public health authorities and encouraging anyone affected to reach out for support." Airport officials at LAX have also ramped up signage and announcements reminding travelers of vaccination importance, with hand sanitizing stations and mask recommendations in high-traffic areas.

This exposure warning has ripple effects beyond immediate health concerns. Travel industry experts worry about potential disruptions, as fearful passengers might alter plans, leading to economic impacts on hotels, airlines, and tourism. Public health advocates are using this moment to renew calls for stronger vaccination mandates, particularly in schools and workplaces. "Events like this remind us that measles hasn't been eradicated—it's just a plane ride away," said Dr. Peter Hotez, a vaccine scientist at Baylor College of Medicine, in an interview. "We need to combat vaccine misinformation aggressively and ensure equitable access to immunizations."

Community responses have varied. Some residents expressed frustration on social media, blaming anti-vaccine movements for endangering public health. Others, like parent advocacy groups, are organizing free vaccination clinics in response. In Los Angeles, the county health department has set up pop-up sites near the airport and in affected neighborhoods, offering no-cost MMR shots to encourage uptake.

Historically, measles was a common childhood illness before the vaccine's introduction in 1963, causing millions of cases annually in the U.S. and hundreds of deaths. Eradication efforts led to its elimination as an endemic disease in the country by 2000, but imported cases continue to spark outbreaks. The current situation at LAX serves as a cautionary tale of how quickly a single case can threaten public health infrastructure.

As investigations continue, officials stress that the risk to the general public remains low if vaccination rates stay high. However, they warn that without vigilance, more exposures could occur. "This is a wake-up call," Dr. Davis added. "Protect yourself, protect your family, and protect your community by staying up to date on vaccinations."

For more information, individuals can visit the LACDPH website or call the county's measles hotline. Health experts hope this alert will not only contain any potential outbreak but also boost overall awareness and prevention efforts against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. In an era of global connectivity, such proactive measures are essential to safeguarding public health.

Read the Full Los Angeles Times Article at:
[ https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-07-24/public-health-officials-warn-of-measles-exposure-at-airport-hotel ]