Brits planning a trip to one of America’s most popular theme parks have been warned to stay alert after a visitor infected with measles spent 11 hours at Universal Studios Hollywood while contagious.
Health officials in Los Angeles have issued an alert after confirming that an infectious person visited Universal Studios Hollywood on Sunday, July 26, between 10am and 9pm.
The individual, who has not been identified, was contagious while at the attraction, prompting authorities to warn that thousands of visitors may have been exposed to measles.
Officials from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health are now working to identify and notify anyone who may have been in contact with the infected visitor. Universal Studios Hollywood welcomes around 9.6 million visitors every year – equivalent to roughly 26,000 people a day – making it one of California’s busiest tourist attractions and a popular destination for British holidaymakers.
Measles is widely regarded as the most infectious disease in the world, with the virus capable of infecting up to nine in 10 unvaccinated people who are exposed.
It spreads through tiny droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, with the virus able to remain in the air for up to two hours after they have left an area.
Dr Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Public Health Officer, urged anyone who visited the park that day to check they are protected against the disease.
“With summer travel underway, the risk of exposure to infectious diseases may increase,” he said.
“We urge everyone to confirm their immunity and get the MMR vaccine if needed, especially before travelling and attending crowded events.”
Health officials said the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the best protection against infection, reducing the risk of catching measles by around 97% after two doses.
Early symptoms include a fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, followed several days later by the disease’s characteristic red rash, which usually starts on the face before spreading across the body.
The infection can lead to serious complications, particularly in babies, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems and those who have not been vaccinated. Severe cases can result in pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, hospitalisation and, in rare cases, death.
Anyone who develops symptoms after visiting the theme park has been advised to stay home, avoid public places and contact a healthcare provider by phone before attending a surgery or hospital to avoid exposing others.