Public Health Alert: Measles Exposure at Newark Airport
The New Jersey Health Department has issued a public health alert after a passenger diagnosed with measles traveled through Newark Liberty International Airport on Friday, December 19. The exposure occurred in Terminal B and Terminal C as the individual moved through the airport, prompting health officials to urge travelers who may have been in those areas to take precautions. While measles is highly contagious, swift reporting and vaccination best protect the public from further spread.
What Travelers Should Do
If you were at Newark Airport, Terminal B or Terminal C on December 19, monitor for symptoms and consider seeking medical advice, especially if you are in a higher-risk group. Common measles symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that typically appears several days after the initial symptoms. The incubation period can range from 7 to 14 days from exposure to onset of symptoms, making vigilance important in the weeks ahead.
Pregnant people, infants under 12 months, and individuals with compromised immune systems or those who have not been fully vaccinated should contact a healthcare provider if they believe they were exposed. Vaccination is the most effective defense against measles. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is routinely given in childhood, but adults who are not immune should consider getting a dose to reduce risk. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, a healthcare professional can advise testing or vaccination.
How Health Officials Handle a Measles Exposure Event
When a measles exposure is identified, public health departments conduct contact tracing to determine who may have been exposed and assess individual risk. Those at higher risk may receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) or guidance on monitoring for symptoms. In addition to vaccination, individuals in potential exposure areas are advised to be alert for new fever and rash, and to seek prompt medical care if symptoms develop.
Newark Liberty International Airport has procedures in place for notifying the public quickly and coordinating with state health authorities during infectious disease events. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed through official health department updates and to follow any recommendations issued by public health officials.
What This Means for Travelers and the Community
Measles outbreaks can spread quickly in crowded spaces, underscoring the importance of high vaccination coverage. Public health experts reiterate that vaccination is the best protection for individuals and communities. If you are unsure about your measles immunity, contact a healthcare provider or check immunization records. For those who may be traveling soon or who have recently traveled, maintaining general illness-avoidance practices—such as staying home when ill, covering coughs and sneezes, and washing hands regularly—helps reduce transmission risk.
Experts also emphasize the value of timely reporting of potential exposure to local health departments. Early notification allows for quicker risk assessment, targeted guidance, and, where appropriate, the provision of PEP to susceptible individuals within the window of opportunity to prevent illness.
Key Details to Remember
- Exposure reported at Newark Liberty International Airport, Terminal B and Terminal C on December 19.
- Measles is highly contagious; symptoms can appear up to two weeks after exposure.
- Vaccination with the MMR vaccine remains the most effective protection.
- Seek medical advice if you developed fever, cough, or rash after potential exposure.
Public health officials will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available. If you were in the affected areas on December 19 and have concerns about exposure, contact your healthcare provider or your local health department for guidance.
