Measles exposure reported at LA Union Station; health officials urge symptom monitoring

Los Angeles County health officials warned Friday that people who passed through Union Station during a four-hour window last weekend may have been exposed to measles by an infected Amtrak passenger.

Anyone who was at the station between 8 a.m. and noon Saturday may be at risk of developing measles seven to 21 days after exposure, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The last day to monitor for symptoms is Oct. 3.

The infected passenger, whose name was not released, arrived at Union Station aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief Train 3 at 7:03 a.m. Saturday and departed at 10:55 a.m. aboard Amtrak Thruway Bus Route 5717 bound for Bakersfield, the department said.

People who have previously had measles or received the recommended measles vaccine are likely protected but should still monitor for symptoms. Those who are unimmunized or whose measles immunization status is unknown are at higher risk and should monitor closely.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, California Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are working with county health departments to inform passengers seated near the infected traveler on the train or bus of their risk.

"As measles cases increase, it is important that residents take steps to make sure they are fully protected," Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said. "The MMR vaccine is the safest and most reliable way to prevent measles and protect yourself, your family, and your community."

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes and a rash that typically develops three to five days after other symptoms.

The Department of Public Health advised people who develop symptoms to stay home and avoid school, work and gatherings and to call a health care provider immediately. People who may have been exposed were advised not to enter a health care facility without calling first.

Two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine are 97% effective against measles, while one dose is 93% effective, according to the department.

As of Friday, 3,471 measles cases and four measles-associated deaths had been reported nationwide this year, along with 39 outbreaks. Nine percent of the cases required hospitalization for treatment of measles complications or isolation.

Reporting by ABC7. Read the original report: Measles exposure reported at LA Union Station; health officials urge symptom monitoring.