LAX Measles Exposure
Health Officials Alert LAX Passengers to Measles Exposure from July 3 British Airways Flight
A traveler infected with measles rode a British Airways flight into LAX on July 3 and may have exposed other passengers and shuttle riders to the virus, according to Press Enterprise. Health officials are now tracking down anyone who may have come into contact with the infected person.
This marks the seventh confirmed measles case in Los Angeles County this year, OC Register reported. Anyone exposed could develop symptoms between seven and 21 days after contact.
Flight 281 Passengers Face Possible Exposure Risk
The traveler arrived on British Airways Flight 281 on July 3, according to Daily News. Health officials are directly alerting passengers who were seated near the infected person on that flight. Those travelers face the highest risk of exposure.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known. It spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. A person can catch it just by being in the same room — even after the infected person has left.
LAX Gate and Hertz Shuttle Named as Exposure Sites
Beyond the plane itself, potential exposures happened at Gate 155 in Terminal B at LAX, Press Telegram reported. The traveler also rode a Hertz rental car shuttle, putting other riders at possible risk as well.
Health officials have not said exactly how long the traveler was at the gate or on the shuttle. But because measles spreads so easily, anyone in those locations during the relevant time window could be affected.
Symptoms to Watch For in the Coming Weeks
People exposed on July 3 could start showing symptoms as late as July 24, based on the 21-day window. Early signs of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, according to SB Sun. A rash usually follows a few days later.
Anyone who thinks they were exposed should call a doctor before going in person. Showing up at a clinic or emergency room without warning can spread the virus to others in the waiting area.
LA County's Seventh Case Raises Public Health Concern
This case is the seventh confirmed measles case in Los Angeles County in 2025, OC Register reported. That pace is drawing concern from health officials. The US had largely eliminated measles in 2000, but cases have been climbing again in recent years due to falling vaccination rates.
The MMR vaccine is about 97% effective against measles after two doses. Health officials urge anyone who is unvaccinated or unsure of their status to check their records and talk to a doctor.
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