Measles Case Tied to Anchorage Airport Exposure Monday Evening

(ANCHORAGE, ALASKA) Health officials are warning travelers about a confirmed measles case linked to the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport after an individual transited through the Anchorage airport on Monday evening. The traveler arrived from Las Vegas via Seattle, and officials say other passengers and airport workers may have been exposed during that window.

The alert comes amid a national outbreak surge, with the United States 🇺🇸 recording its highest measles activity since 2019.

National and local case summary

Authorities say this Anchorage measles case is part of a nationwide spike that has grown rapidly through 2025.

• As of October 14, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 1,596 measles cases across the country, a sharp jump from 285 cases in all of 2024.
• Alaska has reported 3 confirmed cases this year among the 42 jurisdictions affected.

Health officials stress that the Anchorage airport exposure is a reminder that busy travel hubs bring large groups into close contact, increasing the chance that a contagious disease spreads quickly.

• The current year marks the worst national measles year since 2019, when the CDC recorded 1,274 cases.
• In 2025 so far there have been 44 outbreaks, and 86% of confirmed cases (1,380 of 1,596) are tied to those outbreaks.
• The surge has led to 197 hospitalizations (12% of cases) and 3 deaths.

These numbers reflect a fast-moving situation that places airports and airlines on alert, especially when a confirmed measles case passes through a major terminal like the Anchorage airport.

Who is most affected

Public health investigators say measles thrives when vaccination rates slip. The outbreak affects unvaccinated people the most:

• 92% of cases are among individuals who are either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
• Age breakdown for 2025:
  • 39% of cases in ages 5–19
  • 33% in adults 20 and older
  • 27% in children under 5

Officials point to these figures to explain why alerts at transportation hubs are vital: a single contagious traveler can unknowingly pass through gates, food courts, and restrooms, setting off exposures among children, teens, and adults in minutes.

Exposure at Anchorage airport

Officials have not released an exact time window, but they confirm the traveler passed through the Anchorage airport Monday evening after arriving from Las Vegas via Seattle. People who were in the terminal areas during that period could have been exposed.

Measles spreads through tiny droplets in the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after the person leaves the area, making it one of the most contagious diseases known. That means someone walking through a gate area, café line, or restroom after the infected person left could still be at risk.

The Anchorage airport alert mirrors actions taken across the country this year as cases rise. Airports often serve as the first point of contact for traveling families, international students, seasonal workers, and tourists. A public alert tied to a confirmed measles case helps reach people who may already be in transit and encourages them to watch for symptoms.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, clear, step-by-step notices help travelers act quickly during an outbreak surge, which aligns with what officials are asking people to do after the Anchorage exposure.

What travelers should do now

Officials urge anyone who was at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport on Monday evening to watch for symptoms and take careful steps to protect others.

• Monitor your health for 7–21 days after potential exposure (most often 10–14 days).
• Look for the classic signs:
  • fever
  • cough
  • runny nose
  • red, watery eyes
  • followed by a rash that usually appears 3–5 days after the first symptoms.
• If symptoms start, call your healthcare provider before going in person. This lets clinics and hospitals make special arrangements so you don’t expose other patients or staff.
• Avoid public places and air travel if you’re sick or think you may have measles.

Officials emphasize the “call first” step because it reduces the risk of new exposures in waiting rooms and urgent care centers. This guidance is especially important in airports and airplanes where people sit close together and share air for long periods.

If you’re traveling with infants, young children, or anyone who has a weak immune system, watch closely for symptoms and follow your doctor’s advice.

With multiple outbreak-associated chains active this year, speed matters. Measles can spread before the rash appears, so the window to prevent further exposures is short. The Anchorage alert is designed to move people to action quickly: watch, call, and isolate if advised by your provider.

Broader public-health response

The Anchorage case sits within the broader national picture. Officials report that most 2025 cases link back to outbreaks already under investigation, which explains why cluster control—contact tracing, timely alerts, and rapid clinical care—has become the main strategy.

• While the data show the highest share of cases in school-age children and teenagers, adults 20 and older make up a third of cases nationwide this year.
• That means airport workers, airline crew, and frequent flyers should also pay attention to symptom windows and workplace exposure rules.

Public health agencies stress that measles remains preventable in most situations. The CDC’s measles resource page offers plain-language guidance on symptoms, exposure timing, and steps to reduce spread.

• For official health information about measles, visit the CDC measles page.

The Anchorage alert echoes those national guidelines: watch for symptoms for the full 21-day window, call ahead before seeking care, and avoid public spaces if you’re sick.

Special precautions for households and workplaces

People who share homes with infants, pregnant people, or anyone with weak immune systems should take extra care after potential exposure at the Anchorage airport. Recommended actions include:

• Adjust travel plans if symptoms start.
• Inform daycare or school if a child becomes ill.
• Follow any isolation advice from medical providers.
• If you work in close-contact settings (airport gate, security line, cleaning crew), tell your employer if you develop symptoms so they can protect coworkers and travelers.

Investigators continue to review the Anchorage timeline and locations to identify close contacts and provide guidance. Many 2025 cases have been linked to outbreak-associated exposures, and health departments aim to break those chains quickly.

In the meantime, the Anchorage alert gives anyone who passed through the airport on Monday evening a clear roadmap: know the symptoms, watch the clock, and contact your provider by phone if illness begins.

Officials say the national outbreak surge, the high share of cases among unvaccinated people, and the strong link to outbreaks all reinforce the need for fast alerts tied to travel hubs. While details about the specific Anchorage movements are still under review, the message to travelers is straightforward and urgent.

If you were in the Anchorage airport Monday evening and later develop symptoms—fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and then a rash—call your doctor first to get instructions and prevent further spread.