Measles Patient Spent 11 Hours at Universal Studios, Prompting Health Warning

A measles-infected individual was reported to have spent 11 hours at Universal Studios Hollywood on July 26, prompting a public health alert from Los Angeles County. The department warned that anyone who was in the park between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. could have been exposed and should watch for fever, cough or rash and remain vigilant through August 16.

Measles is contagious from four days before to four days after the appearance of the rash and can spread through the air via talking or breathing, as well as persist on surfaces for several hours. The county urged residents to verify their immunity and receive the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine if needed, especially before traveling or attending crowded events.

Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 2,465 confirmed measles cases in the United States so far this year, surpassing the total for the entire previous year. The CDC notes that about 20% of unvaccinated patients who contract measles require hospitalization, and complications can be severe, particularly for children.

California has experienced multiple localized measles outbreaks this year, though state officials say those specific clusters have been contained. Across the country, 38 outbreaks have been identified in 2026, affecting 47 states.