Traveler with measles visited Newark Airport, may have exposed others

An out-of-state resident recently traveled in and out of Newark Liberty International Airport while infected with the measles virus, health officials said.

The person was at the airport’s Terminal C on July 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Terminal A on July 30 between 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., the state Department of Health said in a statement.

The health department warns that anyone who visited those locations at the same date and time may have been exposed to the virus.

Officials urge anyone who believes they are infected to call the state health department or a health care provider before showing up to a medical office or emergency room.

Symptoms of the virus include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a rash that usually appears between three and five days after symptoms begin. If someone was exposed, symptoms could appear as late as Aug. 20, the health department said.

Individuals at risk include those who have not been fully vaccinated or have not had measles in the past.

New Jersey has reported seven measles cases among residents so far in 2025, three of which were part of a household outbreak in February.

Measles is a highly contagious virus easily spread by an infected person talking, coughing or sneezing.

In serious cases, infected people may develop pneumonia and encephalitis. Pregnant women may miscarry or deliver a low birth-weight baby, the health department said.

People with measles are contagious starting four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash is visible.

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, officials warned. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person.