News Summary
A public health alert has been issued in Los Angeles and Orange County after an infant diagnosed with measles arrived at LAX on February 19. Health officials are urging individuals who were in Terminal B during this time to check their vaccination status, as they may be at risk of exposure. Symptoms of measles can take 7 to 21 days to develop, and health officials are actively collaborating with the CDC to ensure those at risk are informed. The situation is being monitored closely as more than 120 cases have been reported across the U.S. in recent months.
Measles Alert in Los Angeles and Orange County: Infant’s International Travel Triggers Risk
Los Angeles has found itself at the center of a public health alert following the confirmation of a measles case involving an infant who traveled internationally. The little one arrived at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on February 19, having taken a journey aboard Korean Air flight KAL11/KE11. This news comes as health officials scramble to manage and mitigate potential exposure among travelers.
Risk of Exposure at LAX
According to local health authorities, everyone present in Terminal B of LAX between the hours of 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on February 19 may be at risk of contracting the disease. The warning isn’t just for the infant’s immediate family; it extends to all passengers and anyone nearby during that time frame. If you were in that terminal, it’s essential to be aware of this situation.
Health officials are actively reaching out to individuals who occupied designated seats on the flight. If this applies to you, expect a friendly nudge regarding your exposure risk. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your health, particularly with something as contagious as measles!
Know Your Vaccination Status
If you were at LAX during those hours, now’s the time to check if you’ve been vaccinated against measles. For those who haven’t received the measles vaccination or have never had measles, the risk of infection increases significantly. The symptoms can take 7 to 21 days to develop after you’ve been exposed, so keeping track of your health becomes crucial.
Worrying about health issues is never fun, but individuals who were around the exposed infant and remain symptom-free through March 11 are considered to be no longer at risk. That’s a small relief! However, vigilance is key as measles is notorious for being highly contagious. It can spread quickly through the air when someone nearby coughs, sneezes, or even breathes.
Spot the Symptoms
So, what symptoms should you be on the lookout for? Common signs of measles include:
- High fever
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth
- Red and/or watery eyes
- A rash that typically develops within five days of the other symptoms
The latest figures reveal that more than 120 measles cases have been reported across the U.S. in 2025, and this number might be even higher due to recent outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico. As if that weren’t alarming enough, a measles-related death has also been confirmed in a child in Texas this year, marking the first such incident in the U.S. since 2015.
Working with the CDC
Health officials are in close collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to guide affected passengers and ensure that everyone remains informed and safe. They are stressing the importance of vaccinations as the measles vaccine is quite effective at preventing the disease.
The most vulnerable groups include young children and the elderly, who can suffer severe complications if they contract measles. If you—or someone you know—starts experiencing symptoms, the safest option is to stay at home and get in touch with your healthcare provider before planning any visits. Staying proactive is key to stopping the spread!
Stay safe, stay informed, and let’s keep each other healthy!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NBC Los Angeles
- Wikipedia: Measles
- CBS News Los Angeles
- Google Search: measles outbreak 2025
- KTLA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
- LAist
- Google News: measles California
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
