For Immediate Release:

January 31, 2026

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating a confirmed case of measles linked to an international traveler who was infectious while traveling through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), at least one other public exposure location, and healthcare settings in Los Angeles County.

This traveler arrived on Viva Aerobus Flight #518 at the Tom Bradley International Airport (TBIT) Terminal B, gate 201A on January 26.

Individuals who were at Terminal B from 10:45 p.m. on January 26 to 1 a.m. on January 27 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.

Additionally, individuals who were at the following location on the specified dates and times may be at risk of developing measles due to exposure to this case:

• January 30, 2026 - Dunkin’ Donuts, 22020 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, 91364, 3 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

People who were at this location during the date and times listed above may be at risk of developing measles from 7 to 21 days after being exposed. These individuals should confirm if they are already protected against measles. If they have not had measles in the past or have not yet obtained the recommended measles vaccine, they may not be protected against measles. Unprotected persons or those with unknown measles immunization status should monitor for themselves symptoms. Individuals who have been free of symptoms for more than 21 days after being exposed are no longer at risk for developing measles.

• For those exposed at LAX, the last day to monitor for symptoms is February 16.
• For those exposed at Dunkin’ Donuts, the last day to monitor for symptoms is February 20.

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.

This is the second case of measles reported by Public Health in 2026. As measles outbreaks continue to occur both in the United States and internationally, everyone should ensure they are fully protected before traveling.

“Measles is a serious respiratory disease that spreads easily through the air and on surfaces, particularly among people who are not already protected from it,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “A person can spread the illness to others before they have symptoms, and it can take seven to twenty-one days for symptoms to show up after exposure. Measles can lead to severe disease in young children and vulnerable adults. As LA County residents begin to travel this summer and with measles cases increasing among those who have recently traveled, we remind everyone that the best way to protect yourself and your family from infection is with the highly effective measles vaccine.”

Public Health encourages everyone to:

• Check your immunization status. 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 in the past or have 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. 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, 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 up to four days before a measles rash appears and up to four days after the rash appears. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, 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 at 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 coverage of vaccine remains at 95% or above in the community. For more information on measles, visit: ph.lacounty.gov/measles.

Most health insurances cover the cost of the MMR and MMRV vaccine. 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) program. For a list of clinics that offer free or low-cost immunizations for persons who are uninsured or underinsured, call 2-1-1 or visit: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/ip/clinics.htm.

In the United States, as of January 30, a total of 588 measles cases have been reported this year, which is the highest number of measles cases 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. The last case of measles in a Los Angeles County resident was reported on January 30, 2026.

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