Measles Exposure Warning Issued for Universal Studios Hollywood

Visitors to Universal Studios Hollywood on July 26 may have been exposed to measles after an infectious person spent approximately 11 hours at the theme park. Health officials are asking those present between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. to check their immunity and monitor for symptoms through August 16.

Were you at Universal Studios Hollywood on Sunday, July 26?
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued an exposure warning after a person who was infectious with measles spent about 11 hours at the theme park.

The individual was at the park, located at 100 Universal City Plaza in Universal City, between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. Anyone who visited during that period may have been exposed and should monitor their health through August 16.

The warning identifies a potential exposure and does not mean that every visitor present during those hours was infected.()

Measles Can Spread Rapidly in Crowded Places

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by an airborne virus. It can spread when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes.

The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. People without immunity may become infected by breathing contaminated air.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as nine out of 10 people without immunity may become infected after close contact with someone who has measles.

An infected person can transmit the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after it begins. This means people may unknowingly spread measles before recognizing that they are ill.

Visitors Should Watch for Measles Symptoms

Symptoms commonly begin seven to 14 days after exposure, although public health officials recommend monitoring for up to 21 days. Those potentially exposed at Universal Studios should remain alert through August 16.

Early symptoms can include:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red and watery eyes
• Tiredness

A red, blotchy rash usually appears three to five days after the initial symptoms. It typically begins on the face near the hairline before spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet.()

Anyone who remains symptom-free after the 21-day monitoring period is generally no longer considered at risk from this particular exposure.

Who Is Most at Risk of Severe Measles Complications?

People who previously had measles or received the recommended MMR vaccination are likely to have protection, although health officials advise everyone potentially exposed to continue monitoring for symptoms.

Those at greater risk of severe complications include:

• Babies younger than 12 months
• Unvaccinated young children
• Pregnant people
• People with weakened immune systems
• Individuals with certain serious underlying conditions

These individuals should contact a healthcare provider promptly if they were at the theme park during the identified period, even if they do not yet have symptoms.

Severe measles can cause pneumonia, brain inflammation known as encephalitis, hospitalization and, in rare cases, death.

Suspected Measles Requires Immediate Precautions

Anyone who develops possible measles symptoms should remain at home and avoid school, work, public transport and large gatherings. They should call a healthcare provider immediately and explain that they may have been exposed at Universal Studios Hollywood.()

People should not enter a clinic, hospital or doctor’s office without calling first. Advance notice allows healthcare staff to arrange an assessment while reducing the risk of exposing other patients and employees.

Those experiencing serious symptoms, including breathing difficulty, severe weakness, confusion or signs of dehydration, should seek urgent medical assistance while informing responders about the possible exposure.

Two MMR Doses Provide 97% Protection Against Measles

Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles and its complications. The CDC estimates that one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is approximately 93% effective against measles, while two doses are about 97% effective.

People uncertain about their vaccination history should review their medical records or speak with a healthcare provider. A clinician can determine whether vaccination or other measures are appropriate based on age, health conditions, pregnancy status and immune function.

“We urge everyone to confirm their immunity and get the MMR vaccine if needed,” Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis said, particularly encouraging vaccination before travel and crowded events.

Health Officials Continue Monitoring Measles Activity

The exposure warning comes as health authorities monitor increased measles activity in California and across the United States. Crowded venues and summer travel can create additional opportunities for the virus to spread among people without immunity.

Visitors should rely on official health guidance and remember that an exposure notice does not confirm that additional infections have occurred. Checking vaccination status, recognizing symptoms and contacting healthcare providers before arriving for treatment can help limit further transmission.

References:

1. Public Health Confirms Measles Case in a Person Who was Infectious While Visiting LA County – Public Advised to Take Preventive Steps and Ensure Measles Protection- (http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/public/media/mediapubhpdetail.cfm?prid=5411)
2. About Measles- (https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/index.html)

Source-Medindia