Travelers Warned After Measles Alert at Newark Airport

Measles Exposure Triggers Health Warning at Newark Liberty International Airport

Newark, N.J.—Passengers who passed through Terminal C on the afternoon of June 3 are being urged to check their immunization records after state health officials confirmed an inbound traveler was infectious with measles while inside the airport.

The Alert

The New Jersey Department of Health issued an advisory late Monday, noting that the infected individual arrived on an international flight and remained in the terminal for roughly two hours before continuing to another destination. Officials say anyone present between 1:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. may have been exposed.

"Measles is highly contagious and can linger in the air for up to two hours," said Dr. Tina Tan, state epidemiologist. "If you were in Terminal C during that window and are not immune, please contact your health-care provider immediately."

What to Watch For

Symptoms usually appear 7–14 days after exposure and begin with:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes

A rash typically follows, spreading from the face to the rest of the body. Complications can include pneumonia and, in rare cases, swelling of the brain.

Airport Response

Port Authority officials said they have deep-cleaned high-touch areas in the terminal and are working with airlines to notify passengers booked on affected flights. No additional cases have been reported as of Tuesday evening.

Immunity Check

Anyone unsure of their vaccination status should review their records or request a blood test. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide 97 percent protection, and health departments across the state are offering free shots this week.

Bottom line: If you were in Terminal C on June 3 between 1:15 and 3:30 p.m., monitor yourself for symptoms through June 17 and call your doctor if any develop.