Measles exposure at Newark Airport: Symptoms could appear as late as Jan. 2

A passenger traveling through Newark Liberty International Airport during the holiday season may have exposed others to measles, according to New Jersey health officials.

The state’s Department of Health said anyone who passed through Terminals B and C between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Dec. 12 may have been exposed to the virus.

The person who traveled through the airport while infectious was not a New Jersey resident. State officials said they are working with local health departments to contact individuals who may have been exposed.

Symptoms, which include high fever, rash, cough and watery red eyes, can develop up to 21 days after exposure. In this case, that means people exposed at the airport could show symptoms as late as Jan. 2, 2026.

Measles is highly contagious and can be life-threatening. Cases have been rising nationwide, reaching the highest levels since 1992, with more than 2,000 cases reported this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In New York City, two measles cases were reported in Manhattan in September.

Health officials advised anyone who develops symptoms to call a health care provider before going to a medical facility, to avoid exposing others.

People most at risk include those who haven’t been vaccinated or who haven’t previously had measles, officials said.

More information is available on the New Jersey Department of Health’s website.