Health authorities in the United States have confirmed a case of measles involving a passenger who travelled through Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, prompting public health warnings and contact-tracing efforts. According to the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), the infected individual was present at Terminal B and Terminal C on December 12, potentially exposing thousands of travellers to the highly contagious virus.
Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known, spreading through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Health officials warned that the virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area, significantly increasing the risk of exposure in crowded spaces such as airports.
Who May Have Been Exposed
Officials said anyone who was inside Terminal B or Terminal C between 7 am and 7 pm on December 12 could have been exposed. The NJDOH is working with local and federal health agencies to identify and notify individuals who may be at risk. Contact tracing is currently underway.
Authorities have urged people who were at the airport during the exposure window to monitor themselves for symptoms and seek medical advice if they feel unwell.
Symptoms And Health Risks
Measles symptoms usually appear 10 to 12 days after exposure, but they can develop as early as one week or as late as three weeks. Early symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. These are typically followed by a rash that starts on the face near the hairline and spreads downward across the body.
Health officials warned that measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and in rare cases, death. Young children, pregnant women, unvaccinated individuals, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk.
Vaccination Advisory Issued
The NJDOH strongly recommended that anyone who has not been vaccinated receive the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Measles spreads rapidly among unvaccinated populations, and vaccination remains the most effective form of prevention. Officials stressed that anyone experiencing symptoms should call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility to avoid further spread.