Health officials in New Jersey are raising alarms after a passenger infected with measles traveled through Newark Liberty International Airport on December 19. The announcement was made on Friday, warning travelers who may have been at the airport that they could have been exposed to this highly contagious virus.
The infected individual, who does not reside in New Jersey, passed through at least two terminals of the airport. Specifically, those who were in Terminal B at 7 a.m. or Terminal C at 7 p.m. on that day are particularly at risk. Unfortunately, health officials do not have detailed information regarding the individual’s whereabouts between these two times.
Individuals who were potentially exposed to the virus could start showing symptoms as late as January 2. Health authorities strongly advise anyone who suspects they may have been infected to contact their local health department or healthcare provider before visiting medical facilities. This precautionary measure will allow for safe evaluations while minimizing the risk of spreading the virus to other patients and medical staff.
Symptoms of measles typically include a high fever, persistent cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a rash that appears three to five days after the initial signs. The rash generally starts as flat red spots at the hairline and then spreads to various parts of the body, including the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet. Serious complications from measles can include pneumonia and encephalitis, and pregnant individuals face risks such as miscarriage and premature birth.
Measles is primarily spread through the air via respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after the infected individual has departed an area. It can also be contracted by coming into contact with the mucus or saliva of someone who is infected.
In New Jersey, there have been 11 confirmed cases of measles in 2025, a noticeable increase from seven cases reported in 2024. On a national scale, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the number of measles cases has surged to 2,012 across 44 jurisdictions as of December 23, marking the highest levels seen since 1992.
New Jersey’s health department is actively collaborating with local officials to conduct contact tracing and notify individuals who might have come into contact with the infected passenger. Those most at risk for infection are individuals who are not fully vaccinated or have never experienced measles before. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is the most effective method of prevention and is given in two doses.
As health officials continue their efforts to manage this outbreak, they emphasize the importance of vaccination and the vigilance needed to protect the community from measles and other communicable diseases.