NEWARK, NJ (Essex County) – The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has issued a public health alert following a confirmed case of measles in a non-resident who traveled through Newark while infectious.
The individual visited Newark Liberty International Airport, Terminal B, on May 12, 2025, between 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM, potentially exposing others to the highly contagious virus.
Health officials are urging residents and travelers who were at the airport during that time to monitor for symptoms through June 2, 2025. Symptoms typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a red rash that spreads from the face downward. Measles can lead to serious complications including pneumonia, brain swelling, and pregnancy-related issues such as miscarriage or low birth weight.
So far, no additional measles cases linked to this exposure have been identified in New Jersey.
The NJDOH is advising anyone who may have been exposed to contact their healthcare provider before visiting any medical facility. This allows for proper arrangements to avoid further spread.
The measles virus can remain airborne for up to two hours and spreads through coughs, sneezes, and contact with infected mucus or saliva. People most at risk are those not vaccinated or who have never had measles.
Officials continue to stress the importance of the MMR vaccine, which offers safe and effective protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.
For more information and updates, visit nj.gov/health.
NJDOH encourages all residents to stay up to date on routine vaccinations including MMR shots. Anyone traveling internationally should be fully vaccinated before traveling. Infants 6–11 months old should get one dose of the MMR vaccine before travel. Then they should get two more doses after their first birthday.
