Thousands of people exposed to Victorian-era disease at 2 major airports

Thousands of people may have been exposed to a Victorian-era disease at two major airports. Officials have confirmed that travellers have been diagnosed with measles and there are now fears that other passengers could be affected.

One case was confirmed in a traveller who passed through Hollywood Burbank Airport, in Los Angeles, while a second was confirmed in an international traveller at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Wednesday, June 17. The first traveller arrived on Southwest Airlines Flight 4245 at Gate A4. Los Angeles County health officials said people at that gate between 8.45am and 9.45am may have been exposed. Meanwhile, the Chicago Department of Public Health said anyone in Terminal 5 between 5.30am and 9.30am may have been exposed to the disease.

As reported by the Daily Mail, Dr Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer, said: “As measles cases increase, it is important that residents take steps to make sure they are fully protected. The MMR vaccine is the safest and most reliable way to prevent measles and protect yourself, your family and your community.”

Measles is often referred to as a Victorian-era disease because it was rampant in the uncrowded and unhygienic conditions of 19th-century Britain. It has reemerged in recent years as a modern health concern due to dropping vaccination rates.

The latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed there were 104 cases of measles in Britain in the four weeks since May 25. London accounted for 51 cases while there were 15 in the East of England, and 11 in the West Midlands, and Yorkshire and Humber.

The UKHSA previously linked the resurgence to falling vaccination rates while community immunity drops. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation has also warned about major upswings in outbreaks across Europe.

Medical experts reiterate that measles is entirely preventable through vaccination. The MMR jab is free in the UK and can be booked through your local GP.

The NHS said: “The MMRV and MMR vaccines can prevent measles. Both vaccines also protects you from mumps and rubella, and the MMRV vaccine also protects you from chickenpox.

“The MMRV vaccine is offered to all young children in the UK. The MMR vaccine is recommended for adults and older children if they were not vaccinated when they were younger.

“Ask at your GP surgery if you’re not sure you or your child have had either of these vaccines. Your GP can vaccinate you for free on the NHS.”