Brits planning a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood have been urged to check their vaccination status after a visitor infected with measles spent 11 hours at the park while contagious. Health officials in Los Angeles issued an alert after confirming the infectious person visited the attraction on Sunday, July 26, between 10am and 9pm.
Exposure risk for thousands
The individual, who has not been identified, was contagious while at the park, prompting authorities to warn that thousands of visitors may have been exposed to measles. Universal Studios Hollywood attracts around 9.6 million visitors a year—roughly 26,000 people daily—making it one of California's busiest tourist attractions and a popular destination for British holidaymakers.
Officials from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health are now working to identify and notify anyone who may have had contact with the infected visitor.
Measles: highly infectious and serious
Measles is widely regarded as the most infectious disease in the world, capable of infecting up to nine in 10 unvaccinated people who are exposed. The virus spreads through tiny droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and can 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 confirm they are protected. "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."
Protection and symptoms
Health officials said the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the best protection, 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 a characteristic red rash that 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 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.
