Thousands of Universal Studios Hollywood visitors may have been exposed to measles, the Los Angeles County Public Health Department announced. An individual diagnosed with the highly infectious disease visited the theme park on Sunday, July 26, for approximately 11 hours while they were still contagious.
Health officials are working to identify and contact individuals who may have been exposed during the patient's visit, which lasted from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Measles is considered the world's most infectious disease, capable of spreading to about nine in ten unvaccinated individuals who come into contact with it. The virus transmits through airborne droplets expelled by an infected person, which can remain in the air for up to two hours.
Symptoms typically begin with cold-like signs such as a fever, cough, and runny nose, followed by a characteristic rash about four days later. The infection poses a significant risk to unvaccinated young children and pregnant women. Complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis, hospitalization, and, in severe cases, death.
Dr. Muntu Davis, a Los Angeles County public health officer, urged the public to confirm their immunity and receive the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine if necessary, especially before traveling or attending crowded events. The MMR vaccine is highly effective, reducing the risk of infection by 97 percent. It is typically administered in two doses.
Individuals who develop measles symptoms are advised to stay home and avoid contact with others. They should contact a healthcare provider immediately by phone before visiting a clinic or hospital to prevent further spread.
California has recorded approximately 48 measles cases so far this year. Nationwide, the U.S. has registered 2,371 infections in the current year, marking an increase from the previous year and the highest number recorded in a single 12-month period since 1991. Health officials are concerned that the U.S. may lose its measles elimination status, a designation achieved in 2000, if outbreaks continue to spread for extended periods. Falling vaccination rates, partly influenced by skepticism surrounding other vaccines, are contributing to the resurgence of the disease. In 2026, 49 percent of measles cases have been in individuals aged five to 19, an increase from the previous year, with about 93 percent of all cases occurring in unvaccinated or undervaccinated individuals.