If you were traveling to Denver or Los Angeles last week, or even changed planes at their airports, you might have been exposed to measles, officials say.
Three infectious nonresidents with measles traveled through LAX on Dec. 11, the L.A. County Department of Public Health said in a statement. Visitors to the airport may have come in contact with an infectious person between 6:50 a.m. and noon that day at Terminals 4 and 5.
» Not sure if you got the measles vaccine as a kid? Here's how to find out
Three unvaccinated children who were visiting Colorado tested positive for measles after being in a country with a current outbreak, according to the Tri-County Health Department.
People who were in Denver International Airport 1:15 – 5:45 p.m. in Concourse A, train to baggage claim, west baggage claim and west level 4 passenger pick up areas Dec. 11 might have been exposed.
If you were in either of these areas and might have been exposed, it’s important to know if you’ve been vaccinated. If not, symptoms could appear up to 21 days after being exposed.
"If symptoms develop, stay at home and call a healthcare provider immediately," Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said.
This year, the United States has witnessed the second-greatest number of reported measles cases since the disease was eliminated in 2000.
Health officials say this is a textbook example of why it's critical to vaccinate against measles, the leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths in the world.
The CDC recommends that all children get two doses of measles vaccine, which experts say is 97% effective.
» What is measles and how can you prevent it?
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