The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating a confirmed case of measles in a resident who recently traveled internationally. This is the fifth case of measles reported by Public Health in 2026.

This traveler arrived on Alaska Airlines flight 1354 at the Tom Bradley International Airport (TBIT) Terminal B on May 14, 2026.

Individuals who were at Terminal B on May 14 from 6 am to 8 am may have been exposed to the measles virus.

In collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), passengers seated near the infected traveler will be notified by their respective local health departments. The CDC and local public health departments routinely work together to investigate communicable disease exposures on international flights to the United States.

People who were at the above location during the listed dates and times may be at risk of developing measles from 7 to 21 days after exposure. These individuals should confirm they are protected against measles. Those who have had measles or received the recommended measles vaccine are likely protected, but should still monitor for symptoms. People who are unimmunized or have unknown measles immunization status are at higher risk and should monitor for symptoms closely. Anyone who remains symptom-free for more than 21 days after being exposed is no longer considered at risk. The last day to monitor for symptoms is June 4, 2026.

Affected healthcare facilities are directly notifying patients and staff who may have been exposed.

Public Health is working to identify any other potential exposure sites in Los Angeles County and any others who may have been exposed, and will assess their risk for developing a measles infection.

As measles outbreaks continue in the United States and internationally, Public Health urges everyone in LA County to ensure they are fully protected from measles before traveling and to take recommended precautions.

The most effective way to protect yourself and your family is with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Children 12 months and older are considered fully protected against measles after receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine. Infants older than 6 months who are traveling internationally or to domestic areas with ongoing measles outbreaks can receive an early dose.

“As measles cases increase, it is important that residents take steps to make sure they are fully protected. The MMR vaccine is the safest and most reliable way to prevent measles and protect yourself, your family, and your community,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “Measles spreads easily and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death. We urge everyone to confirm their immunity and get the MMR vaccine if needed, especially before traveling. Taking this simple step helps safeguard your health and strengthens protection for our entire community.”

Public Health encourages everyone to:

• Check your immunization status before traveling. Review your immunization and medical records to determine if everyone in your family is protected against measles. People are considered protected if they have had measles or received the recommended MMR vaccine. This is especially important for anyone 6 months of age and older who will be traveling internationally or domestically in areas experiencing measles outbreaks. Infants aged 6 to 11 months with planned travel to these locations should receive one early dose of MMR at least 2 weeks before travel. This does not replace the routine doses given at 12-15 months and 4-6 years.  Anyone who is not protected should talk with a health care provider about receiving the MMR immunization.
• Notify a healthcare provider if you are at higher risk. Contact and notify your health care provider as soon as possible about a potential exposure for guidance and next steps, especially if you are pregnant, the person exposed is an infant under 12 months, you have a weakened immune system and/or are unimmunized.
• Watch for symptoms and take immediate action. If symptoms develop, such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or a rash, stay at home and avoid school, work, and any gatherings. Call a healthcare provider immediately. Do not go into a health care facility without calling them first. Let them know you may have been exposed to measles and describe your symptoms. Public Health can assist health care providers in appropriately diagnosing and managing your care.

About Measles

Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air and on surfaces for many hours, even after the infected person has left. The infected person can spread the disease for up to 4 days before and 4 days after the measles rash appears. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface and then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever (higher than 101° F)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red and watery eyes
• Rash 3-5 days after other signs of illness. The “measles rash” typically starts on the face and then spreads down to the rest of the body.

Measles can be prevented with a measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR or MMRV). The MMR vaccine protects against three diseases: measles, mumps and rubella. The MMRV vaccine protects against four diseases: measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). They are administered in two doses and are highly effective: two doses are 97% effective against measles, and one dose is 93% effective. The spread of measles can be prevented if 2-dose vaccine coverage remains at 95% or higher in the community. For more information on measles, visit: ph.lacounty.gov/measles.

Most health insurance plans cover the cost of the MMR and MMRV vaccines. Insured persons should check with their doctor or local pharmacy to see what vaccines are offered. 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) programs. For a list of clinics that offer free or low-cost immunizations for uninsured or underinsured individuals, call 2-1-1 or visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/ip/clinics.htm.

In the United States, as of February 12, a total of 910 measles cases have been reported this year, the highest number in January since the United States achieved elimination status in 2000. Most of these cases are linked to an ongoing measles outbreak in South Carolina and one outbreak involving Arizona/Utah. The majority of cases are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status. Three percent of these cases required hospitalization for management of measles complications or isolation. Travelers should also exercise caution and confirm immunity before visiting Mexico, as there is an ongoing measles outbreak with over 10,000 cases reported. In 2025, there were nine cases of measles among individuals in Los Angeles County while infectious: five residents and four non-residents. The last case of measles in a Los Angeles County resident was reported on February 2, 2026.