Geffen Playhouse Visitors In Westwood Possibly Exposed To Measles

LOS ANGELES COUNTY -- Anyone who visited the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood between 8 and 11 p.m on June 7 may have been exposed to measles. Los Angeles County health officials sent out the warning recently after two cases recently turned up in the area.

Both patients, who traveled overseas, became sick shortly after returning to Los Angeles, public health officials said. Although they were likely exposed to the disease in countries where measles is more prevalent, the two cases aren't linked, they said.

Officials are also warning anyone who visited Toscana in Brentwood between 7 and 11 p.m. on June 8 that they may have been exposed.

Visitors to either location during the times identified are being asked to review their vaccination history and carefully monitor themselves for measles symptoms, which include a fever, a cough, a runny nose, red eyes and a rash.

Symptoms usually appear 10 and 21 days after exposure.

The two new cases come on the heels of a measles outbreak that struck LA County in April, infecting people across the region.

Pregnant women, people with small children, patients with weakened immune systems and anyone who hasn't been vaccinated against measles are advised to contact their doctors immediately if they were at either location during the times identified.

Measles, spread by sneezing and coughing, is one of the most contagious diseases in the world. The virus can linger in the air and infect other people for up to two hours after a sick person has left a room.

A single case can lead to hundreds more. About 90% of people who have not been immunized become ill one to three weeks after being exposed.