New Jersey health officials are warning of a measles exposure at Newark Liberty International Airport that occurred during peak holiday travel time.
A traveler diagnosed with the illness was at the airport on December 12, the New Jersey Department of Health said in an updated press release this week. Officials said this person, who is not a resident of New Jersey, spent the day at Terminals B and C but could not provide their exact whereabouts.
“Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a rash that usually appears between three and five days after symptoms begin,” according to release. “The rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs and feet.”
The virus, which is airborne, is also highly contagious.
Health officials urged anyone who was in the same terminals between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to be on the lookout for symptoms. They also warned that those who are not vaccinated face a significantly more serious risk, as do babies and young children.
“NJDOH encourages all residents to stay up to date on routine vaccinations, including MMR shots,” the statement said. “Anyone traveling internationally should be fully vaccinated before traveling.”
Potentially exposed individuals, if infected, could develop symptoms as late as January 2, 2026, according to health officials.
The possible exposure comes as measles cases nationwide hit their highest levels in decades, with 2,012 cases diagnosed in 2025 as of Dec. 23, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is the most cases on record since 1992, which was nearly a decade before measles was declared eradicated in the United States.
