Measles Exposure Prompts Health Alerts at Multiple US Airports

Several U.S. states, including New Mexico, Arizona, and Montana, are dealing with measles exposures linked to travelers passing through major airports. In New Mexico, an exposure at Albuquerque International Sunport led health officials to urge vaccination and quarantine for those exposed who decline vaccines. Arizona’s Maricopa County reported a measles case at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, with officials warning travelers about the airborne nature of the virus and advising vaccination, especially since 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed will become infected. Montana health authorities identified a measles case at Billings Logan International Airport, emphasizing the importance of the two-dose MMR vaccine for effective prevention. Measles can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, and symptoms may appear up to 21 days after exposure, prompting health officials to recommend self-isolation and medical care for symptomatic individuals. Across these states, public health departments are actively contact tracing and urging vaccination to curb the ongoing outbreak affecting over 35 states in the U.S. and parts of North America.