Measles Cases Confirmed at Newark and Boston Airports Amid Holiday Travel Surge
NEWARK, N.J. — As millions of travelers navigate the busy holiday season, health authorities have identified cases of measles at two major U.S. airports, raising concerns about the spread of one of the world’s most contagious viruses. On December 12, a passenger with measles was detected at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, specifically in terminals B and C, according to a press release from the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH). Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed a separate case at Boston Logan International Airport on Christmas Eve, involving a visitor who arrived on an American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth.
Measles, a highly infectious airborne virus, can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, making crowded transportation hubs particularly vulnerable. Symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by a distinctive rash that starts on the face and spreads downward. The NJDOH emphasized that individuals who suspect they may have been exposed should contact their healthcare providers before visiting medical facilities to prevent further transmission.
“NJDOH is working closely with local health officials to conduct contact tracing and notify those who may have been exposed,” the department stated. The risk is especially high for those who have not been fully vaccinated or have never contracted measles. This year, New Jersey has reported 11 confirmed cases, while nationwide figures have surged to 2,012 as of December 23, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Massachusetts case involved a traveler who passed through Terminal B at Logan Airport, one of the busiest travel hubs in the Northeast. The DPH has urged vigilance and reminded the public that vaccination remains the most effective defense. “One dose of the measles vaccine is about 93% effective, while two doses are approximately 97% effective,” noted Dr. Manisha Juthani, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
With the holiday season prompting a record 8.03 million air travelers across the United States, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the potential for outbreaks in crowded settings is a significant public health concern. Airports, with their high density of transient populations, are critical points for monitoring and controlling infectious diseases.
Health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccination and recommend that travelers stay informed about symptoms and possible exposures. The CDC advises anyone who develops symptoms consistent with measles to seek medical advice promptly and to avoid public places to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
As the nation faces rising measles cases, public health agencies are ramping up efforts to educate the public and contain outbreaks. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health and NJDOH remain engaged in ongoing investigations and outreach to protect communities during this peak travel period.
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