Department of Public Health confirms measles case in Los Angeles County

Will Conybeare
·3 min read

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed a case of measles within L.A. County.

According to a Public Health release, a non-Los Angeles County resident who had contracted measles traveled throughout the county over a three-day period between Saturday, Mar. 30 and Monday, April 1.

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That individual stayed at a hotel, attended a theme park and stopped at several stores and restaurants while in L.A. County, health officials said.

Individuals who were at the following locations during the dates and times below may be at risk of developing measles within three weeks of being exposed:

Saturday, March 30

  • Sheraton Gateway Hotel gym (between 5:30 a.m. and 8 a.m.) – 6101 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles

  • Denny’s (time not yet determined) – 5535 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles

  • Universal Studios – 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City

  • Lard Lad Doughnuts and EC Food Truck in Universal Studios (time not yet determined)

  • Cletus Chicken Shack in Universal Studios (approximately 4 p.m.)

  • Buca Di Beppo (approximately 12 p.m.) – 1000 Universal Studios Boulevard, Universal City

  • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream (time not yet determined) – 445 North Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills

  • Sheraton Gateway Hotel – 6101 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles

Sunday, March 31

  • Sheraton Gateway Hotel gym (between 5:30 a.m. and 8 a.m.)

  • Jack in the Box (approximately 11 a.m.) – 1127 Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood

  • Santa Monica Pier

  • Pier Gear (time not yet determined) – 380 Santa Monica Pier #1, Santa Monica

  • El Torito Mexican Restaurant (between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.) – 13715 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey

  • Sheraton Gateway Hotel

Monday, April 1

  • Sheraton Gateway Hotel

  • Denny’s (time not yet determined) – 5535 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles

According to the health department, additional locations where possible exposures may have occurred are being investigated.

“People who were in the locations should confirm if they have been vaccinated against measles,” health department officials said. “If they have not had measles in the past and have not yet obtained the measles vaccine, they are at risk of contracting measles if they have been exposed.”

Potentially exposed persons are also told to notify their healthcare provider as soon as possible if they are pregnant, an infant, have a weakened immune system or are unvaccinated regardless of vaccination history.

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“If symptoms develop, stay at home and avoid school, work and any large gatherings and call a healthcare provider immediately,” the health department advised. “Do not enter a healthcare facility before calling them and making them aware of your measles exposure and symptoms.”

Unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown measles vaccination status are at risk of developing the disease from seven to 21 days after being exposed. Exposed individuals who have been free of symptoms for three weeks are no longer at risk, health officials added.

“Measles is spread by air and by direct contact even before you known you have it and can lead to severe disease,” Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer, said. “Measles is highly contagious for those who are not immune to it…it can result in serious complications for young children and vulnerable adults.”

The health department advises L.A. County residents to look out for these common measles symptoms:

  • High fever (more than 101 degrees)

  • Cough

  • Runny nose

  • Red and watery eyes

  • Tiny white spots inside the mouth (appearing 2-3 days after symptoms begin)

  • Rash (appearing 3-5 days after other signs of illness)

More information regarding measles in Los Angeles County can be found by clicking here.

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