By
- Geoff Herbert | gherbert@syracuse.com
A health alert has been issued for a popular theme park after a person infected with measles spent 11 hours inside
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said Wednesday that it is investigating a case of “potential public exposure to measles.” The case involves a person who was infectious while visiting Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City, California, on Sunday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m
Thousands of people who were at the theme park during that time may be at risk of developing measles from 7 to 21 days after being exposed, health officials said. Those who have had measles in the past or received recommended vaccines are likely protected, but still should monitor for symptoms. Those who have not gotten shots or are unsure of their immunization status are at higher risk
Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or a rash. If measles is suspected, stay at home and avoid school, work, and any gatherings; call a healthcare provider immediately
According to the CDC, measles (also known as rubeola) is a highly contagious virus that can spread through coughing and sneezing. An infected person can spread measles to others up to four days before rashes appear and four days afterwards. days after through 4 days after the rash appears
Anyone who remains symptom-free after Aug. 16 is no longer considered at risk and does not need to monitor for symptoms
Additional locations where possible exposures may have occurred are being investigated, the L.A. health department said
The alert comes as measles has seen a resurgence across the U.S. There have been 2,371 confirmed cases this year (as of July 30) — the most since 1991 — according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For comparison, there were fewer than 1,000 total cases from 2000 to 2010
In 2025, 93% of measles cases involved people who were unvaccinated, leading to 243 hospitalizations and 3 deaths. Risks are highest for pregnant women, infants under 12 months, people with weakened immune systems, and/or the unimmunized
The CDC and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health have both urged the public to ensure they are fully protected from measles before traveling. Children 12 months and older are considered fully protected against measles after receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine for protection against measles, mumps, and rubella
“The MMR vaccine is the safest and most reliable way to prevent measles and protect yourself, your family, and your community,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “Measles spreads easily and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death. With summer travel underway, the risk of exposure to infectious diseases may increase. We urge everyone to confirm their immunity and get the MMR vaccine if needed, especially before traveling and attending crowded events. Taking this simple step helps safeguard your health and strengthens protection for our entire community.”
Measles cases have increased in recent years due to fewer people getting vaccinated, according to the CDC. Infections can also occur during international travel
According to the New York Post, another exposure was reported earlier this year at another theme park. Orange County health officials said an infected international traveler visited Disneyland and Goofy’s Kitchen while contagious
Universal Studios Hollywood, located near L.A., is a major theme park known for its rides, events like Halloween Horror Nights, and themed lands like Super Nintendo World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The theme park saw 8.7 million visitors in 2024, or nearly 24,000 people daily
