Health Officials Warn of Possible Measles Exposure at Newark Airport After Sick Traveler Flies in From Aruba

A traveler with measles who flew into Newark Liberty International Airport from Aruba may have exposed other people to the highly contagious disease, health officials say. 

The traveler arrived in Terminal C at the airport on March 4, the New Jersey Department of Health said on Monday. 

"The individual was infectious on that day and may have traveled to other areas of the airport," the department noted. The person flew to California after arriving in Terminal C.

Anyone who was in the airport between 9 p.m. on March 4 and 9:30 a.m. on March 5 may have been exposed to measles and, if infected, could develop symptoms as late as March 26, officials say. New Jersey residents identified as potentially exposed on the sick person's flights will be notified by their local health departments. 

Anyone who suspects they've been exposed is urged to call a health care provider before going to a medical office to prevent additional spread of the disease, which is transmitted by airborne particles, droplets, and direct contact with the respiratory secretions of an infected person. 

Two doses of the measles vaccine are 97 percent effective in preventing measles, so health officials urge anyone who hasn't been vaccinated to do so.

Young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at highest risk for severe complications, which can include pneumonia and encephalitis. 

Symptoms include rash, high fever, cough and red, watery eyes. The rash usually starts on the face, proceeds down the body, and may include the palms and soles. The rash lasts several days. Infected individuals are contagious from four days before rash onset through the fourth day after rash appearance.