Were you inside Fresno Yosemite International Airport on May 19?

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Anyone inside Fresno Yosemite International Airport on the evening of May 19 is asked to monitor their health after the arrival of someone with a highly contagious virus on an incoming flight at that time.

According to the Fresno County Department of Public Health, the unidentified individual arrived at Fresno Yosemite International Airport on United Flight 5591 from Los Angeles. This person was later confirmed to have measles.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health says the person arrived on Lufthansa flight LH7852, which, according to online flight tracking service FlightAware, is the airline’s route between Munich, Germany, and Los Angeles.

People who were at Fresno Yosemite International on May 19 between 8:12 p.m. and 9:12 p.m. may be at risk of developing measles due to exposure to this traveler, the Fresno County Public Health Department warns. No other possible exposures to the virus have occurred in Fresno County, officials add.

Passengers assigned to specific seats on United Flight 5591 who may have been exposed will be notified, Fresno County officials say, but while the investigation is ongoing, the Department of Public Health is urging anyone found to Fresno Airport between 8:12 p.m. and 9:12 p.m. pm to take the following actions:

• If you are immunocompromised, pregnant, or an infant younger than 12 months, contact your primary care provider and the Fresno County Department of Public Health at 559-600-3332.
• Stay home if you have symptoms of measles, such as fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red/watery eyes.
• If you experience symptoms, contact your healthcare professional immediately. Do not enter a healthcare facility until you have called and informed them of your measles exposure and symptoms.

Health officials warn that anyone exposed should confirm whether they have been vaccinated against measles or have had measles before. Otherwise, they are considered at risk of contracting it if exposed.

People considered at risk would develop measles seven to 21 days after exposure, health officials say, and should monitor for measles symptoms until June 9. Exposed individuals who have had no symptoms for more than 21 days (until June 9) are not permitted. more at risk.

Measles is described as a highly contagious virus and an infected person can infect nine out of ten unvaccinated people in close contact. Contracting the virus can lead to serious health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and death, especially in unvaccinated people.

The Fresno County Department of Public Health says most health insurance plans cover the cost of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles (as well as mumps and rubella). Anyone who is uninsured or on Medi-Cal can obtain the MMR vaccine from the Fresno County Public Health Department. For more information, click here.