The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has issued a public health advisory after confirming that a traveler infected with measles passed through Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal B on October 19 between 2:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The individual is not a New Jersey resident, officials said.
Measles, a highly contagious viral illness, commonly begins with fever, cough, runny nose and watery red eyes, followed by a full-body rash several days later. Serious complications can include pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), miscarriage, or premature birth.
Health authorities are urging anyone who was present in Terminal B during the specified window to monitor for symptoms and to contact their local health department before visiting a medical facility. The incubation period for the virus means symptoms may not appear until November 9.
New Jersey has reported 11 confirmed measles cases so far in 2025, and nationally the U.S. is seeing the highest measles case count in decades. Officials reiterated the importance of staying current on the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and maintaining vigilance in high-traffic travel hubs.