Britons intending to visit one of the largest theme parks globally are being cautioned following a measles-infected individual spending 11 hours there.
Health officials in Los Angeles have issued an urgent alert after verifying that a contagious person visited Universal Studios, Hollywood, on July 26 from 10am to 9pm. The individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, was infectious during their entire stay at the attraction, potentially exposing thousands of visitors to the virus.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is actively tracing and notifying individuals who may have had contact with the infected visitor. Universal Studios Hollywood, a popular spot for British tourists, draws approximately 9.6 million visitors annually, averaging around 26,000 daily visitors, making it one of California’s busiest tourist destinations.
Measles, known as one of the most contagious diseases globally, can infect up to nine out of ten unvaccinated individuals exposed to it. The virus spreads through tiny droplets from coughs or sneezes and can linger in the air for up to two hours after the carrier has left.
Dr. Muntu Davis, the Los Angeles County Public Health Officer, advises anyone present at the park on that day to ensure they are fully immunized against the disease, especially with the summer travel season underway. The MMR vaccine, considered the most effective defense against measles, reduces the risk of infection by about 97% after two doses.
Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a distinctive red rash days later, starting on the face and spreading over the body. Measles can lead to severe complications, especially in vulnerable groups, potentially causing pneumonia, brain inflammation, hospitalization, and, in rare cases, death.
Individuals experiencing symptoms post-theme park visit are advised to stay home, avoid public places, and contact a healthcare provider by phone before seeking medical care to prevent spreading the infection to others.
