Highly contagious virus confirmed at major US airports

Amid the surge in holiday travel, health officials have confirmed the presence of measles at a major U.S. airport, raising concerns about potential exposure among travelers.

The New Jersey Department of Health reported that a passenger who passed through Newark Liberty International Airport on December 12 later tested positive for measles. The individual was present in terminals B and C, prompting state and local officials to begin contact tracing efforts to identify anyone who may have been exposed.

Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus that spreads through coughing and sneezing. According to health authorities, the virus can remain suspended in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, making crowded indoor spaces—such as airports—particularly vulnerable environments for transmission.

Symptoms of measles typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash often develops several days later, starting on the face near the hairline before spreading down the body to the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet.

Health officials are urging anyone who believes they may have been exposed or who begins experiencing symptoms to contact their healthcare provider before visiting a clinic or hospital, in order to prevent further spread.

The New Jersey case is not isolated. Massachusetts health officials also confirmed that a traveler visiting from Texas was diagnosed with measles after flying into Boston Logan International Airport. The individual arrived on an American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth and spent time in Terminal B.

Nationwide, measles cases continue to rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 2,000 confirmed cases in the U.S. as of late December.