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Measles Alert: Airports Scramble Amid Holiday Travel
31 Dec
Summary
- Two measles cases were detected at Newark and Boston airports.
- Travelers are urged to ensure MMR vaccinations are up-to-date.
- US has seen 2065 measles cases and 49 outbreaks this year.
Two separate cases of measles have been identified at major US airports, Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and Boston Logan International Airport, during a peak holiday travel period. The individual at Newark was present in Terminals B and C on December 12, while the Boston case arrived on December 11 and departed on the evening of December 12. Both individuals were non-residents who became infected upon arrival.
Health officials are emphasizing the importance of staying current with measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations due to the highly contagious nature of the virus. While the risk to most Massachusetts residents is considered low due to high vaccination rates, awareness of symptoms is crucial. Measles symptoms, including a cold-like onset followed by a rash, typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure.
Nationally, as of December 30, the United States has reported 2065 confirmed measles cases and 49 outbreaks in 2025, with 88% of cases linked to outbreaks. Measles incidence has risen in recent years, coinciding with increased circulation of unverified anti-vaccine claims.
