Confirmed: Measles Outbreak in Los Angeles County - Thanks to Anti-Vaccination Activists

Confirmed: Measles Outbreak in Los Angeles County - Thanks to Anti-Vaccination Activists

Breaking News: Second Case of Measles Reported in Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating a second case of measles in a local resident who recently traveled from Texas. The traveler was not infectious during the time of travel.

According to the health department, the case is not linked to the ongoing measles outbreak in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. The department is currently identifying potential exposure risks and others who may have been exposed to the measles at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) during the infectious period.

The department urges all residents to review their immunization and medical records to determine if they are protected against measles, especially before international travel or domestic travel in areas experiencing measles outbreaks. Public Health continues to urge residents, especially travelers, to get measles immunization to protect their health and prevent disease spread.

The best way to protect oneself and one's family from measles infection is with the highly effective measles vaccine. Most health insurances cover the cost of the MMR and MMRV vaccine. Uninsured or underinsured children and adults can access free or low-cost vaccines at clinics enrolled in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) and Vaccines for Adults (VFA) program.

The department is collaborating with the California Department of Public Health and the Texas Department of State Health Services on this investigation. As of April 24, a total of 884 measles cases have been reported in the United States this year, with most cases linked to an ongoing measles outbreak in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. The majority of cases are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status.

The second measles case traveled through LAX while infectious. Exposed individuals who have been free of symptoms for more than 21 days are no longer at risk. Individuals who have not had measles in the past and have not received the measles vaccine are at risk of developing measles from 7 to 21 days after exposure and should monitor for symptoms.

The 2025 measles outbreak in Texas has been the largest in three decades, primarily centered in West Texas and linked to communities with low vaccination rates and vaccine skepticism, especially among certain religious groups. Since late January, Texas has reported around 753 confirmed measles cases statewide, with over half (414 cases) in Gaines County. Hospitalizations numbered approximately 99, including two unvaccinated school-aged children who died from the disease.

Protective measures and public health responses implemented during the outbreak include urging the public to stay up to date on MMR vaccinations and promptly identifying cases to limit spread. Isolating confirmed or suspected measles cases from group settings such as schools and workplaces until at least the fourth day after rash onset to reduce transmission. Excluding unimmunized children from schools or childcare for 21 days following exposure, as per Texas Administrative Code Rule §97.7, during outbreaks. Heightened surveillance and contact tracing by health departments.

There was also a first 2025 measles case reported in Bexar County (San Antonio area), likely linked to the original West Texas outbreak, but with no evidence of ongoing community exposure there. The Los Angeles County does not appear in these recent reports as having reported cases linked to the Texas outbreak in 2025, so no specific vaccination history or protective measures related to that area were detailed in the current search results.

The importance of timely MMR vaccination and strict isolation in group settings to control spread during an outbreak is highlighted by the Texas 2025 outbreak. The outbreak demonstrates challenges posed by vaccine hesitancy in some communities. Public Health is looking to identify others who may have been exposed to the second measles case at LAX.

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