Passenger May Have Spread Measles at Newark Airport Terminals in July

(NEWARK) Health officials are warning travelers after a passenger with measles passed through Newark Liberty International Airport on July 1, 2025, then boarded an Air Canada flight to Toronto from Terminal 1 at about 5:00 p.m. The case, announced on August 7, 2025, prompted exposure alerts for the terminal and the flight. As of August 15, 2025, authorities say they have not confirmed any secondary cases linked to the airport exposure.

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) reports five confirmed state cases so far this year. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) counts 1,288 cases across 39 jurisdictions, the highest since 1992. The CDC cites lower vaccination rates and international travel as key drivers, putting Newark Liberty International Airport in sharper focus.

In addition to the airport exposure, NJDOH warned about visits to University Hospital in Newark on July 4 (5:30–10:15 p.m.) and multiple windows at Hackensack University Medical Center from July 4–9. State teams are contacting people who may have been exposed and advising precautions.

Airport and Hospital Exposure Details

• Investigators traced the Newark incident to July 1, 2025, when an infectious traveler used Terminal 1 and boarded the Newark–Toronto route operated by Air Canada. The episode was disclosed on August 7 to reach anyone who shared the same spaces or the cabin.
• Officials also listed an earlier airport exposure at Terminal B on May 12, 2025 (12:30–4:00 p.m.). No secondary cases were reported from that event as of mid-May.
• By mid-August, there were still no confirmed secondary infections tied to Terminal 1 on July 1.

NJDOH has issued alerts in May, July, and August, urging people present during the listed windows to act quickly. Commissioner Jeffrey A. Brown continues to promote vaccination, vigilance, and prompt reporting of suspected cases.

The CDC confirms a nationwide surge, including 23 new cases during the week of May 16, 2025. The agency’s measles information page outlines symptoms, vaccine schedules, and travel advice: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/.

Who Should Watch for Symptoms

People who were in Terminal 1 around 5:00 p.m. on July 1 or on the Newark–Toronto flight should watch for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. Typical signs include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red eyes
• Rash that usually spreads from the face

If symptoms develop, people should call ahead before visiting a clinic, urgent care, or hospital so staff can set up infection-control steps. Those at highest risk for severe illness include:

• Unvaccinated people
• Infants
• Pregnant women
• People with weakened immune systems

What Travelers and Families Should Do Now

Exposure notices cover Newark Liberty International Airport and the Air Canada Newark–Toronto flight. Health officials recommend the following steps:

1. Confirm whether you were present during any listed exposure windows:
   • Terminal B: May 12 (12:30–4:00 p.m.)
   • Terminal 1: July 1 (around 5:00 p.m.)
   • University Hospital (Newark): July 4 (5:30–10:15 p.m.)
   • Hackensack University Medical Center: July 4–9 (multiple windows)
2. Monitor for symptoms for 21 days after a possible exposure.
3. Call your healthcare provider or local health department before seeking in-person care.
4. If unvaccinated, consult a clinician about vaccination or post-exposure options.
5. Cooperate with contact tracing if contacted by public health teams.

Vaccination remains the strongest shield. NJDOH and CDC urge everyone to stay current on the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella).

Vaccination Guidance and Travel Considerations

• For international travel, infants 6–11 months should receive one MMR dose before departure, followed by the standard two doses after the first birthday.
• Adults and children without records should check vaccination status with a healthcare provider well in advance of travel.
• The CDC says international travel has played a major role in the 2025 surge—important for families who move often between the United States and Canada.

Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, yet cases return when vaccination lags and outbreaks overseas spark importations. New Jersey reported seven cases in 2024 and five so far in 2025, while the national total is the highest since 1992.

Public Health Messaging and Surveillance

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the July–August alerts show how one infectious traveler can touch multiple settings—an airport, an airplane, and hospitals—within days. The outlet notes state and federal messages keep returning to three basics:

• Get vaccinated
• Watch for symptoms
• Call before any visit to a clinic

Officials say the window for cases tied to early July exposures runs through August because the incubation period can be up to 21 days. NJDOH and CDC will continue surveillance and may issue new alerts if needed. They are also reviewing outreach and airport awareness efforts amid the 2025 surge.

NJDOH’s step-by-step guidance:

• Determine whether you were in the listed locations during the exposure windows.
• Monitor for symptoms for 21 days.
• If symptoms appear, do not walk into a clinic—call first.
• If unvaccinated, ask about post-exposure options.
• Follow any instructions from contact tracers.

At-risk groups include infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised people.

Contact and Follow-Up

• NJDOH lists its mailing address as PO Box 360, Trenton, NJ 08625-0360.
• Residents are advised to contact local health departments for community guidance.
• Public alerts will continue if additional exposure sites are identified through contact tracing.

For travel-related information and clinical guidance from the CDC, see: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/

For now, the Newark alerts point to a clear message: measles anywhere can become measles everywhere when vaccination slips and people fly while infectious., officials say.