Health Officials Warn Universal Studios Hollywood Visitors of Potential Measles Exposure

Park visitors are asked to monitor themselves for symptoms for up to 21 days.

The entrance to Universal Studios in Universal City, Calif., on Aug. 23, 2016. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

Some park goers who visited Universal Studios in Hollywood last month might have been exposed to measles, Los Angeles County health officials warned on Aug. 5.

Visitors who were at the park between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. on July 26 are being asked to monitor themselves for symptoms, according to the Los Angeles County Public Health Department.

Someone with the virus was at the park during that time, health officials said.

Anyone at the park on that date and during that time could be at risk of developing measles anytime from seven to 21 days after being exposed, the department reported in the public health alert.

“These individuals should confirm their protection against measles,” officials stated.

People who have had measles in the past or received the measles vaccine are likely protected, but should still monitor themselves for symptoms.

Those who are not vaccinated, or don’t know whether they have received a vaccine for measles, are at a higher risk and should more closely monitor themselves for symptoms.

The last day to monitor for symptoms is Aug. 16.

Outbreaks Continue

Measles outbreaks continue in the United States after exploding from 285 in 2024 to 2,289 in 2025—an increase of 703 percent.

The 2025 measles outbreak started in January when an international traveler visited an undervaccinated Mennonite community in Gaines County, Texas, and spread the virus, according to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The virus then spread across at least three historically undervaccinated states—Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

The number of measles cases this year is the highest since 1991, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on July 24. As of July 30, 2,371 measles cases were confirmed in the United States, the CDC reported.

Last year, the CDC reported 48 measles outbreaks.

Fans discover Hogsmeade at the Grand Opening to the public of the 'Wizarding World of Harry Potter' at Universal Studios Hollywood, in Universal City, Calif., on April 7, 2016. Valerie Macon/AFP/Getty Images

Outbreaks are ongoing in central Virginia and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the CDC reported.

Fewer measles patients have been hospitalized this year, and no deaths have been reported, compared to 2025, when three people died from the virus, according to CDC’s statistics.

Vaccination Encouraged

Health officials encourage the public to get vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Children 12 months and older are considered fully protected against measles after getting two doses of the MMR vaccine.

Measles outbreaks continue in the United States after jumping from 285 in 2024 to 2,289 in 2025—a 703-percent increase, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“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,” said Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “Measles spreads easily and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.”

Babies who are older than 6 months and traveling domestically or abroad to an area with an active measles outbreak can get an early dose.

Check for Symptoms

Measles can be dangerous for anyone, especially for babies and young children, according to the CDC.

Symptoms can include a high fever reaching 104 degrees, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. About two to three days after symptoms start, tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth.

After three to five days, a measles rash appears. This usually starts as flat red spots on the face at the hairline, then spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. The rash is accompanied by a high fever. Ear infections and diarrhea can also occur, according to the CDC.

Some people may suffer from severe complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis, which could be fatal and require hospitalization, experts warned.