NEWARK, N.J. (Essex County) — The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is alerting residents about potential measles exposures linked to a non-New Jersey resident who was contagious while traveling through Newark Liberty International Airport late last month.
Health officials said individuals who were in Terminal C on July 29 between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m. or Terminal A on July 30 between 1:30 and 7 p.m. may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.
Measles symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and a rash that typically develops three to five days after the first signs of illness. Complications can be serious, ranging from pneumonia to swelling of the brain, and the virus can pose significant risks to pregnant people and infants.
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed is urged to call their health care provider before visiting a medical office or emergency department so precautions can be taken to protect others.
The incubation period for measles can last up to 21 days, meaning potentially exposed individuals could develop symptoms as late as August 20, 2025. As of Friday, no additional cases connected to this exposure have been reported in New Jersey.
Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can linger in the air for up to two hours. The NJDOH stressed that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent infection. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, given in two doses, is safe and effective at preventing disease and related complications.
Since January, New Jersey has reported six measles cases, while the U.S. has seen 1,356 cases in 41 jurisdictions — the highest levels since 1992, according to the CDC.
Health officials continue to conduct contact tracing and said updates will be posted on the department’s website if new exposure sites are identified: nj.gov/health/measles.
