The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating an additional confirmed case of measles in a Los Angeles County resident. The department has not identified any public exposure locations associated with this case at this time.

The department urges residents, especially those who travel internationally and those who have not been fully protected against measles, to get measles immunizations to protect themselves and prevent the spread of measles.

There have been 11 measles cases among Los Angeles County residents in 2019, in addition to eight non-resident measles cases that traveled through Los Angeles County.

“For those who are not protected, measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that initially causes fever, cough, red, watery eyes and, finally, a rash,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “Measles gets spread, by air and by direct contact, even before you know you have it. The MMR immunization is a very effective measure to protect yourself and to prevent the unintentional spread of this potentially serious infection to others.”

This case is a reminder that there is an increased risk of the measles at this time, especially for travelers. Additional cases and exposures may occur in L.A. County from returning travelers, especially returning international travelers who are not already protected against measles.

Measles is considered among the most contagious viruses in the world. About 90% of people who have never been immunized against measles become ill seven to 21 days after exposure. Infected people can infect those around them before they have symptoms and know they are infected. Common symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (red eyes) and a rash which usually appears 10 to 21 days after the exposure. The measles virus can be transmitted from one person to another up to four days before the onset of rash.

Individuals should contact their healthcare provider by phone before going to the doctor’s office if they develop measles symptoms, so measures can be taken to prevent possible spread to others in the provider’s waiting room. They should also tell their doctor or other healthcare provider if they traveled internationally or had international visitors in the last 21 days or had exposure to another person with measles.

Measles immunizations are available at healthcare providers, local pharmacies and health clinics. Department of Public Health clinics offer no- or low-cost immunizations for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. To find a nearby Public Health clinic, call 211 or visit publichealth.lacounty.gov/chs/phcenters.htm.

For information, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/measles, or call 211.