Travelers With Measles Were At Detroit, Newark, Memphis Airports

Officials in two states are warning travelers after two people who arrived in the U.S. after traveling internationally were confirmed to be infected with measles. Health officials said one of the travelers arrived at Detroit Metropolitan Airport and the second arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said the state's first confirmed case of 2018 was diagnosed in Washtenaw County. Officials said that person was contagious when they returned to Michigan after traveling internationally and was at the Detroit Airport March 6. Anyone at the airport in the customs or baggage claim in the airport's north terminal between 2-5 p.m. on that date should seek medical attention if they develop symptoms.

The second traveler arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport on March 12 from Brussels and departed for Memphis from the airport's Terminal C. The New Jersey Department of Health said the traveler, a young child, was contagious that day and may have traveled to other areas of the airport. Anyone at the airport between 12:45 - 9 p.m. may have been exposed and could develop symptoms as late as April 2.

Anyone who develops symptoms should seek medical treatment, officials said.

WREG in Memphis reports that local health officials said the child sought medical attention immediately and was put into isolation. Health officials told the news channel there was minimal risk of exposure to the community at large and they are in the process of notifying anyone who may have been in contact with the child.

According to the CDC, measles starts with fever, runny rose, cough, red eyes and a sore throat. It's followed by a rash that spreads over the body.

The disease is highly contagious and can spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person. In pregnant women, measles can cause a miscarriage, premature birth or a low weight baby.

The disease can be prevented with the MMR vaccine and its recommended for children to get two doses of the vaccine. According to the CDC, two doses of the vaccine are about 97 percent effective in preventing measles and one dose is about 93 percent effective in preventing the disease.

Photo by CDC via Getty Images