If you passed through Los Angeles Union Station last Saturday morning, health officials want you to pay attention. A passenger with a confirmed case of measles spent several hours at the station and on two Amtrak services, potentially exposing others to the virus.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported that the infected traveler arrived on Amtrak's Southwest Chief Train 3 at 7:03 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, and departed at 10:55 a.m. on Amtrak Thruway bus route 5717 to Bakersfield. Anyone at Union Station between 8:00 a.m. and noon that day may have been exposed.
What you need to know about the exposure
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can linger in enclosed spaces for up to two hours after the infected person leaves. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure, so anyone who was at the station during that window should monitor their health closely.
Early signs include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash usually follows three to five days later, starting on the face and spreading downward. If you develop these symptoms, health officials urge you to stay home and call a healthcare provider before visiting any clinic or hospital, to avoid exposing others in waiting rooms.
Dr. Muntu Davis, a Los Angeles County health officer, emphasized that vaccination is the safest and most reliable protection. “The MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent measles,” he said. “We urge everyone to check their vaccination status, especially if you were potentially exposed.”
For those who have already had measles or received the recommended two doses of the MMR vaccine, the risk is low. However, unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown status are at higher risk and should be especially vigilant.
Why this matters for our community
Measles outbreaks have been on the rise across the country. As of Friday, the CDC reported 3,471 cases and four deaths this year, with 39 active outbreaks. The Pennsylvania outbreak alone has claimed four lives and topped 600 cases.
For Latinos, who make up a significant portion of Los Angeles County's population, this is a reminder of the importance of community health. Many of us travel through Union Station to visit family in Bakersfield, the Central Valley, or beyond. Ensuring we are vaccinated not only protects ourselves but also our abuelitos, our younger siblings, and those who cannot get vaccinated for medical reasons.
Public health agencies are working with Amtrak and local transit operators to notify passengers who sat near the infected traveler. They are also ramping up vaccine distribution through mobile clinics and community outreach programs, targeting neighborhoods with lower immunization rates.
If you were at Union Station during the exposure window, health officials recommend checking your vaccination records. If you are unvaccinated or unsure, contact your doctor or a local clinic about getting the MMR vaccine. The vaccine is safe, effective, and provides 97% protection after two doses.
For more information on how to protect yourself and your family, visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website. And if you're planning to attend community events like El Grito celebrations, make sure your vaccinations are up to date to keep the festivities safe for everyone.
Measles is preventable, but it requires collective action. Let's look out for each other, stay informed, and keep our communities healthy.
