World’s most contagious disease found at busy California airport

A traveler infected with the world’s most contagious disease passed through a busy Southern California airport during the summer travel rush, potentially exposing scores of unsuspecting passengers.

Los Angeles County health officials are investigating a confirmed measles case involving a person who was infectious while traveling through Hollywood Burbank Airport and visiting a nearby rental car facility.

This is the seventh measles case reported in Los Angeles County so far this year.

Officials said anyone at Gate A4 at Hollywood Burbank Airport on June 17 from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.

Passengers who were seated near the infected traveler will be notified by their local health departments, according to KTLA.

Potential exposures also occurred at Thrifty Rental Car Service, located at 2627 N. Hollywood Way in Burbank.

Anyone at the location on June 17 from 9:20 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. or on June 18 from 10:25 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. may also have been exposed, per the outlet.

People who were at Hollywood Burbank Airport or the Thrifty rental car location during those times could develop measles between seven and 21 days after exposure.

Health officials said people who previously had measles or received the recommended vaccine are likely protected but should still monitor for symptoms.

Anyone who remains symptom-free for more than 21 days after exposure is no longer considered at risk.

For those exposed at Hollywood Burbank Airport or Thrifty Rental Car on June 17, the final day to monitor for symptoms is July 8.

Those exposed at the rental car facility on June 18 should continue monitoring through July 9.

Public health officials said they are continuing to investigate the case and identify any additional exposure locations.

This latest warning arrives as summer travel peaks, and crowds flock to Los Angeles for World Cup matches, raising the stakes for public health.

Just last week, Los Angeles County health officials warned of another possible measles exposure involving Los Angeles International Airport, the nearby Hilton Los Angeles Airport hotel and the hotel’s shuttle service.

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for several hours after an infected person has left an area.

Symptoms include a fever above 101 degrees, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and a rash that typically begins on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.