Health officials from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health have been notified by the California Department of Public Health that a patient with measles was in the county.
According to a Saturday press release from the LA County health department, a non-Los Angeles County resident with measles traveled throughout Los Angeles County from Saturday, March 30 through April 1. Individuals who were at locations where the patient visited may be at risk for developing measles within 21 days of exposure.
Per the department, the person was at the following locations at these times:
Saturday, March 30
· Sheraton Gateway Hotel Gym — 6101 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045 (5:30 a.m. - 8 a.m.)
· Denny’s – 5535 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045 (time not yet determined)
· Universal Studios – 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
· Buca Di Beppo – 1000 Universal Studios Blvd, Universal City, CA 91608 (appx. 12 p.m.)
· Cletus Chicken Shack in Universal Studies — 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608 (appx. 4 p.m.)
· Lard Lad Doughnuts and EC Food Truck in Universal Studios — 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608 (time not yet determined)
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream — 445 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (time not yet determined)
· Sheraton Gateway Hotel — 6101 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045
Sunday, March 31
· Sheraton Gateway Hotel Gym — 6101 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045 (5:30 a.m. -8 a.m.)
· Jack in the Box--1127 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301 (appx. 11:00 a.m.)
· Santa Monica Pier—Santa Monica, CA 90401
· Pier Gear — 380 Santa Monica Pier #1, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (time not yet determined)
· El Torito Mexican Restaurant — 13715 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 (6:00 p.m. – 8 p.m.)
· Sheraton Gateway Hotel — 6101 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Monday, April 1
· Sheraton Gateway Hotel — 6101 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045
· Denny’s – 5535 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045 (time not yet determined)
“Additional locations where possible exposures may have occurred are being investigated,” said Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
KNX’s Nataly Tavidian reported that the tourist probably didn’t know that they were infected when they visited these locations.
The next step for people who believe they may have been exposed to the individual would be to make sure they are vaccinated against measles. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention guidelines recommend MMR vaccines at a young age, starting at around 1 year old. People who are not vaccinated or who have no had measles in the past are at risk for developing the illness and should discuss getting vaccinated with their doctor.
“Measles is spread by air and by direct contact even before you know you have it and can lead to severe disease,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “Measles is highly contagious for those who are not immune to it. Initially causing fever, cough, red, watery eyes, and followed by a rash, it can result in serious complications for young children and vulnerable adults.”
If people do develop symptoms, they should call a healthcare provider immediately. They should also stay at home and avoid school, work and any large gatherings. Those who suspect they have measles should not enter a health care facility before calling and alerting staff first.
Check back for updates.
