Health officials warn of measles exposure at major airport

Travellers at a major airport have been warned about potential exposure to a measles case.

New Jersey health authorities have cautioned that one person was confirmed as having contracted the highly contagious disease following international travel and passage through Newark Liberty International Airport.

Officials stated that individuals present at Newark Liberty’s Terminal B between 5:30am and 9am on 14 April may have been exposed to measles, CBS News reported.

Authorities also warned of possible exposure at the Hackensack University Medical Center paediatric emergency department on 18 April.

Key symptoms include a high temperature, coughing, sneezing, red and sore watery eyes and a rash, reports the Daily Star.

Health officials stated that symptoms could appear as late as 11 May for those who have contracted the virus.

No linked cases have been identified.

Measles can spread via airborne particles or through mucus or saliva from an infected person. The virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected individual has left the area.

The MMR vaccine is considered the most reliable means of protecting against measles and warding off complications associated with the illness. In a separate development, UK parents are being urged to check their children’s vaccination records as measles continues to spread throughout the country, with hundreds of cases already confirmed this year and mounting fears of a fresh outbreak. Earlier this month, The Mirror reported that the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a “protect yourself and your little ones” alert, directing families to updated guidance on symptoms and vaccination amid growing concern over declining jab rates.

This follows recent figures showing that approximately 235 measles cases have been confirmed in England in the opening weeks of 2026, with infections now recorded across every region.