New Jersey health officials warn of measles exposure at Newark Airport

New Jersey health officials are warning people who were in Newark Liberty International Airport on Dec. 19 to get checked for measles after someone passed through two terminals while infectious.

Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. that day, the non-New Jersey resident went through terminals B and C, health officials said in a news release. Specific information on the person’s whereabouts during that time was not available.

Health officials are working to trace those who may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus and identify other possible exposures. The virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, and can remain contagious up to 2 hours after that person has left the premises.

Anyone exposed to the disease could develop symptoms through Friday, officials said. Those who have never had measles, or who have not been fully vaccinated against the virus, are at risk.

No connected cases of measles in New Jersey had been identified as of this past Friday. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery and red eyes and a rash that typically appears several days after the initial signs of infection.

The rash begins as flat red spots on the face along the hairline and spreads down the neck, arms, legs and feet, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles can cause pneumonia, brain swelling, miscarriages or premature births.

Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to measles should call their local health department before visiting a doctor or going to the hospital. Officials urged those who suspect they were infected to visit an emergency room only after calling ahead. Special arrangements will be made for evaluation while protecting other patients and medical staff.

New Jersey has seen 11 confirmed measles cases so far this year, up from seven last year. The virus is at its highest level in more than 30 years, with the most cases nationally since it was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000.

In 2025, there has been one confirmed case of measles in Suffolk, none in Nassau, 20 in New York City and 27 other cases statewide, according to the New York State Department of Health.