Measles Alert at LAX as World Cup Travel Raises Concerns
WHO:
Fox News - Dr. Muntu Davis, the L.A. County health officer, emphasized the importance of the MMR vaccine for protection against measles.
NY Post - A traveler with measles passed through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Los Angeles Times - Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a UC San Francisco infectious diseases expert, commented on the increase in measles cases.
Los Angeles Times - Dr. Muntu Davis, the L.A. County health officer, urged the public to confirm their immunity.
WHAT:
Fox News - The measles case at LAX marks the sixth confirmed infection in Los Angeles County this year.
Los Angeles Times - There have been 2,073 measles cases reported nationwide this year, approaching the total of 2,288 cases from the previous year.
NY Post - A case of measles was reported at LAX, potentially exposing other passengers.
Los Angeles Times - This is the fourth measles case confirmed in a passenger at LAX this year and the sixth overall reported by L.A. County health officials.
Los Angeles Times - More than 150,000 domestic and international travelers are expected in L.A. County from June 12 through July 10 for the FIFA World Cup.
Los Angeles Times - Symptoms of measles include a rash, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and fever above 101 degrees.
Los Angeles Times - There have been 25 measles deaths reported in the Americas this year, with 13 in Mexico and 12 in Guatemala.
Los Angeles Times - California has reported 50 confirmed measles infections this year, the highest number since 2019.
WHERE:
Los Angeles Times - Potential exposure locations include the Trader Joe’s at 635 Coleman Ave. and the International Halal Market at 960 E. Santa Clara St. in San José.
NY Post - The measles case was reported at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Los Angeles Times - The infected person arrived on Cathay Pacific Airlines Flight 884, which landed at LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal.
Los Angeles Times - Potential exposure occurred at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel located at 5711 W. Century Blvd.
Los Angeles Times - Other potential exposure locations include San Francisco International Airport and stores in San José.
WHEN:
Los Angeles Times - The last day to monitor for symptoms after potential exposure is July 2.
Los Angeles Times - The infected traveler arrived at LAX on June 11.
Los Angeles Times - The FIFA World Cup matches began last week in Inglewood and Santa Clara.
Los Angeles Times - People may be at risk of developing measles from seven to 21 days after being exposed.
WHY:
Los Angeles Times - The Pan American Health Organization warned that large international events like the World Cup, combined with increasing measles transmission, create favorable conditions for the spread of the disease.
Los Angeles Times - The surge in travel for the FIFA World Cup raises concerns about the spread of measles.
Los Angeles Times - Measles is particularly dangerous for unvaccinated individuals, including infants too young to be vaccinated.
HOW:
Los Angeles Times - Health officials recommend that individuals who are unimmunized or have unknown vaccination status monitor for symptoms closely through July 2.
Los Angeles Times - Measles spreads easily through coughing and sneezing, remaining in the air and on surfaces for hours.
Los Angeles Times - Health officials recommend confirming immunity and getting the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine before traveling and attending crowded events.
(UPDATED June 20, 2026 01:41 UTC)
Dr. Muntu Davis, the health officer for Los Angeles County, has highlighted the critical need for the MMR vaccine to protect against measles, as the county has confirmed its sixth case this year. Nationwide, there have been 2,073 measles cases reported, nearing last year's total of 2,288, with potential exposure locations including Trader Joe’s in San José and the International Halal Market. Health officials are urging those who are unimmunized or unsure of their vaccination status to closely monitor for symptoms until July 2, especially in light of warnings from the Pan American Health Organization about the risks posed by large international events.
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(UPDATED June 19, 2026 21:22 UTC)
A traveler with measles has been reported at Los Angeles International Airport, potentially exposing other passengers, marking the fourth case confirmed at LAX this year and the sixth overall in L.A. County. Health officials, including Dr. Peter Chin-Hong from UC San Francisco and Dr. Muntu Davis, the L.A. County health officer, are urging the public to confirm their immunity, especially with over 150,000 travelers expected in the area for the FIFA World Cup. Symptoms of measles include a rash, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and fever above 101 degrees, and those exposed may develop symptoms within seven to 21 days.