This month, health officials have issued red alert at three major U.S. airports following potential measles exposure by infected travelers. Authorities at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia, Los Angeles International Airport, and New York’s JFK Airport are on high alert as efforts to contain the spread continue.
On March 3, officials warned of a possible measles outbreak at JFK International Airport after a child arriving on a China Airlines flight tested positive for the virus. This followed a similar case on February 19, when a passenger on a Korean Air flight from Seoul tested positive at Los Angeles International Airport. These incidents have heightened concerns about the virus spreading through international travel, as reported by the media.
At Washington Dulles International Airport, a traveler from an international flight tested positive for measles, prompting health officials to issue a warning for those who were in Terminal A on March 5 between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., as they may have been exposed.
Beyond airport concerns, individuals who visited the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Pediatric Emergency Department in Maryland on March 7 between 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. are also advised to monitor for measles symptoms.
Health officials have urged anyone who may have been exposed at these locations to remain vigilant for measles symptoms, which typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a distinctive rash that usually spreads from the face to the rest of the body.
Authorities are working closely with airlines, airport staff, and local health departments to track potential contacts and prevent further transmission, due to red alert. Travelers who were present during the exposure periods are advised to check their vaccination status and seek medical attention if they develop symptoms.
Given the highly contagious nature of measles, experts warn that even brief contact with an infected person can lead to transmission, particularly among unvaccinated individuals. Health officials are emphasizing the importance of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which provides strong protection against the virus.
This recent string of cases comes amid a broader resurgence of measles in the United States and globally, raising concerns about declining vaccination rates and increased international travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to monitor the situation and is urging all travelers, especially those heading to or returning from international destinations, to ensure they are fully vaccinated.
Local and state health departments are expected to provide further updates as they continue their investigation and outreach efforts to inform potentially affected individuals.
