LA County sees increase in flu-related ER visits and hospitalizations

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles County is seeing an increase in flu-related emergency room visits and hospitalizations, and according to the health department, flu activity is expected to remain high in the coming weeks.

The county health department said for the week ending January 24, labs reported 17.1% of specimens were positive for flu. That's up 11% from the week before.

Emergency department visits for flu-like illness also went up to 7.7% compared to 6.4% the week prior, and flu-related hospitalizations rose from 222 to 261.

"Flu activity is expected to continue to increase across Los Angeles County, and while many people are already vaccinated, some may still not be protected," said L.A. County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis in a press release posted on Friday. "Flu vaccination is the most effective way to reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from infection, for yourself, your loved ones, and your community. However, even simple steps like washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying away from others when sick can make a big difference in protecting those most at risk for severe illness. We encourage everyone six months and older, or their caregivers, to get vaccinated or talk with a healthcare provider to decide the best way to reduce risks and stay healthy this flu season."

Second measles case in LA County

On Saturday, health officials confirmed the second measles case in L.A. County for the new year.

The person arrived on Viva Aerobus Flight 518 -- an international flight -- at the Tom Bradley International Airport Terminal B, gate 201A at Los Angeles International Airport on Monday, according to county health officials.

The person may have exposed others to the measles virus at Terminal B between Monday at 10:45 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday.

The patient may also have exposed people to the measles virus on Friday at Dunkin' Donuts, 22020 Ventura Blvd. in Woodland Hills from 3 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. the same day.

Passengers seated near the traveler will be notified by their respective local health departments in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They should monitor themselves for measles symptoms through Feb. 16.

People may be at risk of developing measles for 7 to 21 days after being exposed, which would be Feb. 20.

The other patient, who was not identified, had also recently traveled internationally, according to the department. That person was identified in a health care setting.

Public Health officials were working to identify any other potential exposure sites in L.A. County and any other people who may have been exposed, and will assess their risk for developing a measles infection.

"Measles is a serious respiratory disease that spreads easily through the air and on surfaces, particularly among people who are not already protected from it,'' Dr. Muntu Davis, the county's health officer, said in a statement.

"A person can spread the illness to others before they have symptoms, and it can take seven to 21 days for symptoms to show up after exposure. Measles can lead to severe disease in young children and vulnerable adults.''

There have been two recent cases in Orange County, one in a young adult who had traveled internationally, the other in a toddler.

The OC Health Care Agency learned about one confirmed case of a patient who traveled through LAX and could possibly be the person who arrived Monday. The agency referred to the press release by its Los Angeles County counterparts in its press release.

The exposed patient was in the Disneyland complex on Wednesday, with potential exposure windows that included: Goofy's Kitchen in Disneyland Hotel, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, from 12:30 p.m. to closing.

The HCA Communicable Disease Control Division was working with Disneyland to contact employees who may have been exposed, officials said.

People who might have been exposed were advised to check their immunity status and contact their doctor about receiving the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine if they are unvaccinated or unsure.

"If exposure occurred less than seven days ago: Talk to your health care provider about vaccination or immune globulin for prevention, OC Health officials said. "Immunoglobulin is recommended for certain individuals, such as infants under 12 months, pregnant people without immunity or those with weakened immune systems.''

Common symptoms of the virus are fever, cough, red watery eyes and a rash that usually starts on the head and spreads. The virus spreads through the air and by direct contact with an infected person. An infection can be spreading the virus for four days before the rash is noticed.

City News Service, Inc. contributed to this report.