NEWARK, N.J. (Essex County) — The New Jersey Department of Health is warning residents of potential measles exposures after a non–New Jersey resident with a confirmed case of the virus traveled through Newark Liberty International Airport while infectious.
Health officials said the individual was in transit through Terminals B and C at Newark Liberty on Dec. 19, 2025, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Anyone who was at those locations during that time may have been exposed and should monitor for symptoms, officials said.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and swelling of the brain. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes and a rash that typically appears three to five days after symptoms begin. The rash often starts on the face at the hairline and spreads downward to the rest of the body.
Health officials said measles can also lead to miscarriage, premature birth or low birth weight in pregnant people.
The department said information about the individual’s movements between 7 a.m. in Terminal B and 7 p.m. in Terminal C is incomplete. Updates will be posted at nj.gov/health/measles as they become available.
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed or who develops symptoms is urged to call a health care provider or local health department before seeking medical care. Officials stressed that people should not visit a medical office or emergency department without calling ahead so arrangements can be made to protect other patients and medical staff from possible exposure.
The health department said it is working with local health officials on contact tracing efforts to notify people who may have been exposed and to identify any additional exposures.
Potentially exposed individuals could develop symptoms as late as Jan. 2, 2026, officials said. As of Dec. 26, no additional measles cases linked to the exposure have been identified in New Jersey.
Since the beginning of 2025, New Jersey has reported 11 confirmed measles cases. Seven cases were reported statewide in 2024. Nationally, measles cases have reached their highest levels since 1992, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of Dec. 23, 2025, 2,012 cases had been reported across 44 jurisdictions.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can remain airborne for up to two hours after the person leaves an area. People can also become infected through contact with saliva or mucus from an infected individual.
Those most at risk include people who are not fully vaccinated or who have not previously had measles.
Health officials said the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, given in two doses, is safe and the most effective way to prevent measles and its complications. The department is urging residents to stay current on routine vaccinations and advises anyone traveling internationally to be fully vaccinated before travel.
The department is also asking health care providers to routinely assess immunization status among patients and staff and to call ahead before referring suspected measles cases to ensure proper precautions are in place.
