Measles Alert Issued After Newark Airport Exposure

NEWARK, New Jersey — Health officials have issued a warning after a visitor with measles potentially exposed others at Newark International Airport and various locations in the state. The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) reported that the unidentified non-resident was in New Jersey during the last week of March while infectious.

The contagious individual spent time in Terminal A at Newark Airport on March 25 from 3:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., and returned to the same terminal on March 27 between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Additionally, they were seen at a Starbucks in the airport.

Outside of the airport, the individual visited locations in Park Ridge and Paramus, including Bergen New Bridge Medical Center on March 27. Possible exposure occurred in the Emergency Department from 6:45 a.m. until noon and in the Radiology/Laboratory Department between 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

The NJDOH emphasized that anyone who was at these locations during the specified dates and times should monitor for symptoms. Symptoms of measles may appear from 7 to 21 days after exposure, with a potential onset as late as April 17.

As of April 2, no further cases linked to the infected visitor have been reported. The department urges individuals who suspect exposure or exhibit symptoms to contact a healthcare provider before visiting medical facilities to prevent further transmission.

Measles is known for its high contagion rate, with 90% of unvaccinated people developing the disease upon exposure. It is characterized by symptoms like high fever, a severe cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a rash that usually develops 3 to 5 days after initial symptoms.

“It is highly contagious, and anyone who is not vaccinated against the virus can get it at any age,” the NJDOH stated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 483 confirmed measles cases in the United States as of March 27, compared to 285 total cases in 2024.