ALERT: Travelers May Have Been Exposed to Measles at Los Angeles Union Station

Travelers at Union Station in Los Angeles may have been exposed to measles last weekend. Public health officials warned about the risk on Friday. The exposure occurred due to an infected passenger on an Amtrak train.

When and where did the possible exposure occur?

The infected passenger, whose identity was not disclosed, arrived at Union Station at 7:03 a.m. He was traveling on Amtrak Southwest Chief 3 on Saturday, September 12.

He then departed at 10:55 a.m. on a route 5717 bus heading to Bakersfield. Therefore, he was at the station for several hours before continuing his journey.

According to authorities, people who were at Union Station between 8:00 a.m. and noon could have been exposed.

Who is at greater risk of infection?

People who have already had measles or received the vaccine are probably protected. However, they should be alert to the appearance of any symptoms.

In contrast, those who are not vaccinated or are unaware of their vaccination status face greater risk. Therefore, they should monitor more carefully for any signs of the disease.

How long should I monitor for symptoms?

According to health officials, measles can appear between 7 and 21 days after exposure. Therefore, the last day to monitor symptoms is October 3.

Additionally, several agencies are collaborating to directly inform passengers who traveled near the infected person. The county, state of California, and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) are participating.

What did the public health official say?

Dr. Muntu Davis, the county’s public health officer, spoke about the importance of vaccination. He stated that «the MMR vaccine is the safest and most reliable way to prevent measles.»

According to him, given the increase in cases, it is key that residents ensure they are protected. Therefore, he recommended reviewing the vaccination status of the entire family.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles is transmitted through the air when an infected person breathes, speaks, coughs, or sneezes. Symptoms include fever, cough, nasal discharge, and red, watery eyes.

Additionally, a skin rash usually appears between three and five days after the first symptoms.

What should I do if I have symptoms or was exposed?

Public Health recommends that those with symptoms stay home immediately. They should avoid going to school, work, or social gatherings.

Additionally, it is recommended to call a health professional immediately. Those who may have been exposed should not go directly to a health care facility without calling first.

How effective is the MMR vaccine?

According to the county, two doses of the MMR vaccine have an efficacy of 97% against measles. A single dose, on the other hand, offers an efficacy of 93%.

Therefore, completing the two-dose schedule provides considerably greater protection.

How many measles cases are there in the U.S. this year?

As of Friday, 3,471 cases of measles had been reported in the country this year. The disease has caused four deaths associated to date.