A case of the world's most contagious virus has been detected at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey during the peak holiday travel season, raising concerns about potential exposure among passengers.
The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) confirmed that a passenger at terminals B and C tested positive for the highly contagious virus on December 12.
What Are the Symptoms of Measles?
According to the NJDOH, measles typically presents with a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a distinctive rash.
“The rash usually begins as flat red spots on the face at the hairline and spreads downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet,” the department explained. Symptoms generally appear between three and five days after the onset of initial signs.
How Measles Spreads
Measles is an airborne virus that can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. It spreads easily when an infected person coughs or sneezes, which makes crowded places like airports a particular concern.
Health officials advise anyone who suspects they may have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms to contact a healthcare provider before visiting a hospital or clinic to prevent further spread.
“NJDOH is working in collaboration with local health officials on ongoing contact tracing and on efforts to notify people who might have been exposed,” the department said.
Who Is at Risk?
The department notes that individuals who have not been fully vaccinated or have not previously had measles are at greatest risk of infection.
This year, New Jersey has recorded 11 confirmed measles cases, according to the NJDOH. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 2,012 measles cases as of December 23.
Recent Cases Across the US
Measles cases have also been reported elsewhere during the busy holiday season. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed that a traveler from Texas was diagnosed with measles after flying into Boston Logan International Airport on American Airlines Flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth. The passenger was in terminal B on arrival.
With AAA projecting a record 8.03 million travelers across the United States this holiday season, officials are urging vigilance and vaccination to prevent outbreaks.
Vaccination Remains the Best Protection
Health experts emphasize that vaccination is the most effective way to protect against measles. Connecticut’s Department of Public Health Commissioner, Dr. Manisha Juthani, highlighted the importance of immunization in a recent statement.
“One dose of measles vaccine is about 93% effective, while two doses are about 97% effective,” Dr. Juthani said, reinforcing that timely vaccination can help prevent the spread of the virus.