Measles Surge in SoCal After Infected Visitor’s LAX Arrival and Disney Visit
Recent measles outbreaks are becoming a significant concern in Southern California. A surge in cases has been linked to an international traveler who arrived at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and later visited a Disney park. This trend is part of a broader issue of rising measles cases both nationally and internationally.
Confirmed Measles Cases in Southern California
In just the past week, health officials reported several confirmed measles cases. Orange County recorded two infections, while Los Angeles County confirmed three, including one case announced on a recent Monday involving a person who visited a Sherman Oaks restaurant during the infectious period.
Details of Exposure Locations
- Disney Visits: An infected individual visited Goofy’s Kitchen in Downtown Disney on Wednesday between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., then proceeded to Disney California Adventure Park from 12:30 p.m. until closing.
- L.A. County Exposure: An infected person was reported at Mardi Gras Tuesday restaurant on January 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- LAX Exposure: Individuals at LAX Terminal B from 10:45 p.m. on January 26 to 1 a.m. on January 27 may have been exposed to the virus.
- Other Locations: A young adult case reported exposure at a gym in Ladera Ranch and an urgent care facility on January 23 and 26.
Those who visited these locations could potentially develop measles symptoms between seven to 21 days after exposure. Health officials advise anyone exposed at these sites to consult their healthcare provider regarding vaccination and immunity status.
Public Health Recommendations
Dr. Anissa Davis, Orange County’s deputy county health officer, emphasizes that everyone is at risk if not vaccinated. Measles can easily spread within communities, highlighting the importance of vaccination as the best preventive measure.
Measles Vaccination Information
- Vaccination is crucial to protect individuals and their families, especially before exposure.
- Infants under 12 months, pregnant individuals lacking immunity, and those with weakened immune systems may require immunoglobulin treatment.
- If exposure to measles occurred more than a week ago, non-immune individuals should limit interactions for 21 days following exposure.
Individuals are advised to monitor for symptoms, which may include fever or rash, for up to three weeks after exposure. The Health Care Agency’s Communicable Disease Control Division is coordinating with Disneyland to notify employees who may have faced exposure to the virus.
National Context of Measles Cases
The number of confirmed measles cases in the U.S. has seen alarming growth, correlating with declining vaccination rates. From 2014 to 2024, there were 3,246 confirmed cases. The highest numbers since the early 1990s were recorded in 2025, with 2,267 cases.
Residents are encouraged to get vaccinated to combat this highly contagious disease and protect the community. As the situation evolves, public health officials continue to monitor and respond to the outbreak effectively.
