LOS ANGELES
Infectious Diseases
Universal Studios Hollywood visitors may have been exposed to measles
Ema SasicUSA TODAY NETWORK
Aug. 6, 2026, 1:12 p.m. ET
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating a measles case involving an infected person who spent 11 hours at Universal Studios Hollywood last month
The person was at the famed theme park, located at 100 Universal City Plaza in Universal City, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 26. Health officials are warning that this incident may have resulted in a potential public exposure to measles
What to do if you may have been exposed to measles?
People who were at Universal Studios during the date and time listed may be at risk of developing measles from seven to 21 days after being exposed
Those who have had measles in the past or received the measles vaccine are likely protected, but should still monitor for symptoms, health officials said. People who are not immunized or have an unknown measles immunization status are at higher risk and should monitor for symptoms closely
Anyone who remains symptom-free for more than 21 days after being exposed is no longer considered at risk. The last day to monitor for symptoms is Sunday, Aug. 16
How does measles spread?
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air and on surfaces for many hours, even after the infected person has left, the Los Angeles health department said in a press release. If people breathe the contaminated air or touch an infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses or mouths, they can become infected
The infected person can spread the disease up to four days before and up to four days after a rash appears
What are measles symptoms?
Common measles symptoms include fever (higher than 101 degrees), cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that appears around three to five days after other signs of illness. The rash typically starts at the face and then spreads down to the rest of the body
If symptoms develop, people should stay at home and avoid school, work and any gatherings. Call a health care provider immediately, and do not go into a health care facility without notifying them first
How to protect yourself against measles?
The public health department states that the most effective way to protect oneself is with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine
Children 12 months and older are considered fully protected against measles after receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine. Infants older than 6 months who are traveling internationally or to domestic areas with ongoing measles outbreaks can get an early dose
Measles cases rise in California
The news of the potential measles exposure comes when cases continue to rise in California
The state’s public health department reports that there have been 54 confirmed measles cases as of noon Monday, Aug. 3, 2026. They have been reported in multiple counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and Sacramento. Around 93% of cases have been among those who are unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status, and more than half among those ages 5 to 19
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com, on X @ema_sasic or on Instagram @emasasic
