Measles Alert at Newark Airport: What Every Traveler Needs to Know Now
An infectious measles passenger passed through Newark Airport’s Terminal B, prompting a 21-day health watch for thousands of travelers.
Passenger with Measles Sparks Health Scare at Newark Airport
NEWARK, N.J.—The holiday travel rush took an unsettling turn Monday when New Jersey health officials confirmed that an infectious passenger with measles passed through Newark Liberty International Airport, potentially exposing thousands of travelers to the highly contagious virus.
Exposure Window
The traveler, whose name and flight details have not been released, arrived on an international flight and spent time in Terminal B between 6:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on December 18, according to the state Department of Health. Anyone present during that window—especially those not vaccinated—could develop symptoms as late as January 9.
“Measles spreads through the air and can linger for up to two hours after the infected person leaves,” said Dr. Tina Tan, state epidemiologist. “If you were there, check your immunization records and watch for fever, cough, and rash.”
Why This Matters
Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but cases have surged as vaccination rates dip. New Jersey logged 19 cases this year, the highest since 1994. The airport incident marks the third U.S. measles exposure tied to air travel in 2023.
What to Do Now
- Confirm your MMR vaccine: two doses provide 97 % protection.
- Monitor symptoms for 21 days post-exposure.
- Call your doctor before visiting; special isolation rooms may be required.
- Infants under 12 months, pregnant people, and the immunocompromised should seek immediate advice.
Airport Response
Port Authority crews disinfected high-touch surfaces in Terminal B overnight, though experts note the virus is primarily airborne. No additional cases have been reported, but officials set up a hotline (1-800-222-1222) for concerned passengers.
Traveler Jenna Patel, 29, of Hoboken, learned of the exposure via a push alert while waiting for her luggage. “I thought measles was gone,” she said. “I’m racing to get my toddler’s second shot tomorrow.”
The Bottom Line
Health departments in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut are coordinating contact tracing, yet they admit the sheer volume of holiday passengers complicates the task. If you transited Newark on December 18, assume exposure and act fast—measles is serious, but it’s also entirely preventable.