Measles exposure reported at Universal Studios Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Los Angeles County health officials are investigating a measles case involving an infectious visitor who spent about 11 hours at Universal Studios Hollywood on July 26, warning that individuals who were at the theme park that day may have been exposed to measles.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said Wednesday that the person was at the theme park from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. that day. Officials said anyone who was there during that window should confirm they are protected against measles and monitor for symptoms through Aug. 16, the end of the 21-day period in which illness can develop after exposure.

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air or on surfaces after an infected person leaves, making crowded indoor settings and long exposure periods a particular concern. County officials said an infected person can spread measles from four days before a rash appears until four days after it appears.

Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, meaning the disease was no longer continuously spreading in the country, but outbreaks still occur when travelers bring the virus into communities with gaps in vaccination coverage. Health officials say two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are about 97 percent effective in preventing measles, while one dose is about 93 percent effective. Enditem