Cases of measles, a highly contagios virus, have been detected at two major U.S. airports during peak holiday travel. The detected cases highlight growing public health concerns as infections rise across the country, including cases of the flu and influenza.
It has recently been reported that the country is experiencing a significant increase in flu cases. This is putting a strain on the healthcare system, a situation exacerbated by the recent low temperatures.
ALSO READ: Steven Spielberg declined to work with Ben Affleck
In which U.S. airports was this highly contagious virus detected?
Health officials confirmed that a traveler infected with measles passed through Terminals B and C at Newark Liberty International Airport on December 12, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.
A second case was identified days later at Boston Logan International Airport, involving a passenger on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas–Fort Worth who arrived at Terminal B on December 24, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported.
The airport exposures come amid a historic resurgence of measles in the United States. For the first time in more than three decades, national case counts have exceeded 2,000. As of December 23, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 2,012 confirmed cases across 44 states and jurisdictions, including New York City and Washington, D.C. The last time the U.S. saw comparable numbers was in 1992, when 2,126 cases were reported.
ALSO READ: White House Expands U.S. Travel Ban to Include Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica
Young people at risk
The CDC notes that the current outbreak disproportionately affects young people. More than half of all cases involve individuals under the age of 19, and approximately 11% of patients have required hospitalization. Alarmingly, 93% of those infected were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
Vaccination remains highly effective. Only 3% of cases occurred in people who had received a single dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Just 4% were reported among those fully vaccinated with two doses. Despite this, 50 measles outbreaks have been recorded in 2025 — a sharp increase compared with previous years. One of the largest ongoing outbreaks is in South Carolina, where 179 cases have been confirmed, primarily concentrated in Spartanburg County.
ALSO READ: Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of JFK, died at 35
Public health experts warn that measles spreads exceptionally easily, especially in crowded indoor spaces like airports and airplanes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area, making exposure difficult to avoid for those who are not immunized.
Why measles is dangerous
Measles is not a harmless childhood illness. It can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), permanent hearing loss, and death, particularly among young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.
Some key characteristics of measles are:
- Extremely contagious respiratory virus
- Spreads through coughing, sneezing, or shared air
- Symptoms begin 7–14 days after exposure
- High fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes
- Distinctive rash that spreads from face to body
- Can remain airborne for hours in enclosed spaces
What to do if you suspect infection
- Isolate immediately and avoid public places
- Contact a healthcare provider before visiting a clinic
- Wear a mask to reduce transmission
- Check vaccination status and follow medical guidance
Health officials continue to emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective defense against measles and its potentially life-threatening complications.
