Measles Exposure Warning Issued After Passenger Traveled Through Newark Airport

The New Jersey Health Department warning has alerted the public to a potential Newark Airport measles exposure event. A passenger with a confirmed case of the highly contagious virus passed through the facility. The incident occurred at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on Friday, December 19.

Public Health Advisory Details

The infected individual was a non-New Jersey resident. They were in Terminals B and C for a 12-hour period. The exposure window was between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. that day.

Anyone who was in those terminals during that time may have been exposed. Measles is an airborne virus. It can remain contagious in the air for up to two hours after the infected person leaves.

Key Details for Travelers

Health officials are urging travelers to monitor for symptoms. These symptoms include high fever, cough, and a runny nose. The rash typically appears several days later.

Symptoms can appear up to 21 days after exposure. Potentially exposed individuals should watch their health until January 2, 2026.

• Do not visit a medical office or emergency room without calling ahead.
• This allows staff to make arrangements to prevent further spread.
• Unvaccinated people, young children, and pregnant women face the highest risk.

Industry and Regulatory Context

This measles case December 19 highlights the commercial aviation health risk posed by communicable diseases. The passenger exposed others during a busy travel period.

Airport operators and airlines follow strict air travel health protocols. These are set by bodies like the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

IATA and ACI World provide communicable disease guidelines for airports. These protocols emphasize coordination with public health authorities. They also cover passenger screening and contact tracing efforts.

Federal regulators, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), rely on these protocols. They ensure that health risks are managed without halting air travel.

Broader Public Health Impact

This incident occurs amid rising national case counts. Measles cases in the U.S. are at their highest level since the year 2000.

New Jersey itself has reported 11 confirmed cases in 2025. This is an increase from seven cases reported in 2024.

The EWR airport passenger health advisory serves as a reminder. It stresses the critical role of vaccination in global travel. Airlines and airports must remain vigilant. They must quickly implement health advisories. This protects both staff and the traveling public. For more updates on this and other commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.