Health officials have issued a warning about potential measles exposure at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) amidst global World Cup travel. The warning comes just a few days after another case of a person infected with measles reportedly passed through San Francisco International Airport. Both major travel hubs are in cities hosting World Cup games.
The measles case in Los Angeles involves an individual who passed through LAX on June 11. Officials said the traveler arrived on a Cathay Pacific Airlines transpacific flight at the Tom Bradley International Airport Terminal B between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
A warning from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said in a statement, “In collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), passengers seated near the infected traveler will be notified by their respective local health departments.”
Additionally, individuals who were at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel on June 11 between 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. may be at risk of developing measles due to exposure.
“People who were at the above locations during the dates and times listed above may be at risk of developing measles from 7 to 21 days after being exposed,” the health department continued. “These individuals should confirm their protection against measles. Those who have had measles in the past or received the recommended measles vaccine are likely protected but should still monitor for symptoms. People who are unimmunized or have unknown measles immunization status are at higher risk and should monitor for symptoms closely.”
In Santa Clara County, the person infected with measles passed through the international terminal, including passport control, customs and baggage claim areas at San Francisco International Airport on Thursday morning between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. They also visited two San Jose grocery stores: Trader Joe’s and International Halal Market between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Measles went from being ‘eradicated’ in the year 2000 to reaching record-high levels in 2025
In 2025, measles cases in the United States reached their highest level in 30 years. The last time the United States had more than 2,000 cases was back in 1992. In the year 2000, health officials officially declared measles eliminated in the United States. That year, only 85 people in the entire country reported infections
The U.S. recorded just 285 cases in 2024. In 2025, Texas alone reported 803 cases. Multiple states blamed parents for not vaccinating school-age children, which contributed to the spread of measles.