The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has issued a warning about possible measles exposure at Newark Liberty International Airport. The alert follows the identification of a measles case in a traveler who passed through the airport while infectious.
According to NJDOH, anyone who was at Terminals B or C on December 12, 2025—between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM—may have been exposed to the virus. Details regarding the individual’s movements between these terminals during that period are currently unavailable. Updates will be posted on the department’s website.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a rash that typically appears three to five days after symptoms begin. Serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis can occur, and pregnant individuals face additional risks including miscarriage or premature birth.
Anyone who suspects they may have been exposed is advised to contact their local health department or healthcare provider before visiting any medical facility. This allows arrangements for evaluation while minimizing risk to others. “Please do not visit a medical facility without calling ahead,” states NJDOH.
The department is working with local officials on contact tracing and notification efforts for those potentially exposed. Individuals who were exposed could develop symptoms as late as January 2, 2026.
As of December 26, no further related cases have been identified in New Jersey. Additional information will be provided on the NJDOH website if more exposures are found.
New Jersey has reported 11 confirmed measles cases so far in 2025, compared with seven cases in all of 2024. Nationally, measles cases have reached levels not seen since 1992; according to CDC data from December 23, there have been over 2,000 cases across 44 jurisdictions this year (https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html).
People most at risk are those who have not received full vaccination or never had measles previously. The MMR vaccine is recommended as it provides effective protection against measles as well as mumps and rubella when given in two doses.
NJDOH urges all residents to keep up with routine vaccinations—including MMR shots—and advises international travelers to ensure they are fully vaccinated before departure. Infants aged six to eleven months should receive one dose before travel and complete their series after their first birthday.
Healthcare providers are asked by NJDOH “to use every opportunity to assess for immunizations” among patients and staff and must notify receiving facilities when referring suspected measles cases or contacts for care.
Resources for both the public and healthcare professionals are available through NJDOH’s website and from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
