WARNING: 'Serious' Viral Infection Reported At Busy California Airport

Public health officials recently confirmed a case of Measles present at one of California's busiest airports. According to SF Gate, the infected individual traveled through Los Angeles International Airport earlier this month while still "highly contagious." Officials have asked travelers who were present at "Terminal B between 2:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 9," to assess themselves for the virus.

The infected individual, whose name has not been publicly released, was traveling on Qatar Airways flight QR 0739. As of Wednesday (May 29) fellow passengers have also been assessed to determine whether they contracted the virus from the individual.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Measles as "a highly contagious, serious airborne disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications and death." Symptoms include rash, fever, watery eyes, runny nose, and coughing, among other complications that can lead to serious, fatal infections. The best defense against the virus is vaccination. Individuals who are not vaccinated run the risk of infection from "seven to 21 days" after being exposed to the contagious virus.

SF Gate mentioned that this is not the first case of Measles reported at LAX this year. Another infected individual traveled through the airport in January.