Public health officials have issued an alert for anyone who visited Universal Studios Hollywood on Sunday, August 4, between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., due to potential exposure to the measles virus. An infected individual spent approximately 11 hours inside the crowded theme park, according to county health officials.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Individuals are contagious for up to four days before the characteristic rash appears and four days after.
Those who may have been exposed are advised to monitor for symptoms, which typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure. Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that usually starts on the face and spreads across the body.
Health officials specifically urge pregnant individuals, infants younger than 12 months, people with weakened immune systems, and those who have not been vaccinated to contact their healthcare provider if they were in the park during the specified period. Individuals who have had measles previously or received the measles vaccine are likely protected but should still be vigilant for symptoms.
Symptoms are expected to appear through August 16. Anyone who remains symptom-free for more than 21 days after exposure is considered no longer at risk.
This incident occurs as measles cases see a significant resurgence in the United States. As of late July 2026, the country has recorded 2,371 confirmed cases, the highest annual total since 1991, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This marks an increase from previous years, with summer travel potentially exacerbating the spread of infectious diseases.
Last year, a similar measles scare occurred at Disneyland and a nearby restaurant in Orange County, where an infected international traveler potentially exposed thousands of guests. Health officials at the time emphasized the rapid spread of the virus in crowded environments and urged unvaccinated or non-immune individuals to verify their vaccination status.
The California Department of Public Health notes that measles can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, particularly in vulnerable populations. Prompt vaccination and isolation of symptomatic individuals are key to preventing further transmission.