by Theme Park Magazine
Health officials issued an urgent measles alert for anyone who visited Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Citywalk, the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, or the Santa Monica Pier on March 30th and 31st. A guest with a confirmed measles case was present at these locations.
Measles is a severe illness that starts with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A rash appears a few days later. It is contagious, spreading quickly through the air when someone with measles coughs or sneezes.
The guest visited various areas of Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Citywalk on March 30, including eating at Buca di Beppo, Cletus Chicken Shack, Lard Lad Doughnuts, and EC Food Truck. The following day, March 31, the guest spent part of the day at the Santa Monica Pier. The guest stayed at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel from March 30 through April 1, 2024.
Unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus are at risk of developing measles. Those in those areas on those dates who have not previously had measles or received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine should consult a healthcare provider immediately.
“Measles is highly contagious for those who are not immune to it,” said Los Angeles County Health Officer Munta Davis, MD, MPH. “Initially causing fever, cough, red, watery eyes, and followed by a rash, it can result in serious complications for young children and vulnerable adults.”
If you were at Universal Studios Hollywood or Universal Citywalk on March 30 or the Santa Monica Pier on March 31, the Los Angeles Department of Public Health recommends the following:
- Review your immunization and medical records to determine if you are protected against measles. People who have not had measles infection or received measles immunization previously may not be protected from measles and should talk with a health care provider about receiving measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunization.
- Contact and notify your health care provider as soon as possible about a potential exposure if they are pregnant or an infant, have a weakened immune system, and/or are unimmunized regardless of vaccination history.
- Monitor yourself for illness with fever and/or an unexplained rash from 7 days to 21 days after their exposure (the time period when symptoms may develop)
- If symptoms develop, stay home and avoid school, work, and large gatherings. Call a healthcare provider immediately. Do not enter a healthcare facility before calling and making them aware of your measles exposure and symptoms. Public Health can assist healthcare providers in appropriately diagnosing and managing your care.
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