Los Angeles County health officials are warning that visitors to Universal Studios Hollywood may have been exposed to measles after an infected person went to the theme park last month.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said Wednesday it is investigating the case, which involves a person who visited the park on July 26. Officials said they are also looking into other possible exposure sites within the county.
Anyone who was at Universal Studios Hollywood that day between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. is being urged to verify that they are protected against measles. Health officials said those exposed could develop symptoms anywhere from seven to 21 days after contact with the virus.
People who have received the measles vaccine are likely protected, officials said, as are those who previously had the illness.
“People who are unimmunized or have 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 health department said in a statement.
A Universal Studios Hollywood spokesperson said Friday that the park is cooperating with the health department as the investigation continues.
“The safety and security of our guests and team members is our highest priority,” the company said.
Measles can cause fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash. The highly contagious virus spreads through the air and can linger in the air or on contaminated surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.
Anyone who believes they have contracted measles is urged to call a doctor immediately, according to the health department.
“Measles spreads easily and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death,” Dr. Muntu Davis, the Los Angeles County Health Officer, said in a statement.
Over 2,300 measles cases have been recorded this year, the highest number since 1991, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The majority of measles cases in 2026 have been confirmed among children and teenagers aged 19 and younger, according to the CDC. About one in 10 children under age 5 diagnosed with measles this year have been hospitalized.
About 93% of cases this year are among people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown, CDC data shows.
The CDC currently recommends that people receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, the first at ages 12 to 15 months and the second between 4 and 6 years old. One dose is 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective against measles, the CDC says.
-ABC News’ Mary Kekatos contributed to this report.
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