Measles-Infected Passenger Visited Busy NJ Travel Center, Health Officials Issue Alert

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ – New Jersey health officials have issued a measles alert for travelers who recently passed through Newark Airport.

According to the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), an out-of-state resident visited the airport while infected with the disease last week. Anyone who was at Terminal B between 2:15 and 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19 may have been exposed to measles.

No additional associated cases have been identified as of Monday, authorities said.

Potentially infected travelers could develop symptoms as late as Nov. 9, health officials said.

According to the NJDOH, 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. 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 spreads easily through the air when someone coughs or sneezes and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person, officials said.

Measles can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and can lead to miscarriage in pregnant people, premature birth, or a low-birth-weight baby, health officials said.

“Anyone who suspects an exposure or illness should call their local health department or a health care provider before going to any medical office or emergency department,” officials advised. “Special arrangements can be made for evaluation while also protecting other patients and medical staff from possible infection. Please do not visit a medical facility without calling ahead.”

Since the beginning of 2025, New Jersey has had a total of 10 confirmed cases of measles. In 2024, seven cases were reported, officials said.

According to the NJDOH, measles cases have risen to the highest levels reported since 1992. As of Oct. 21, a total of 1,618 cases across 42 jurisdictions have been reported so far this year.

• See Related: Rutgers Expert Says Measles Vaccines Are 'Safe' After NJ Outbreak

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