A growing health emergency is unfolding at one of the country’s busiest transportation hubs after an individual with measles came into contact with crowds at Newark Liberty International Airport earlier this week.

Health authorities are urging travelers who passed through Terminal B on Monday to watch for symptoms of measles after a potentially serious exposure risk involving one of the world’s most contagious viruses, as the Daily Mail reports.

According to public health officials, an unidentified person infected with measles was present inside Terminal B of Newark Liberty International Airport on Monday, between 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Terminal B is frequented by several major airlines including United, JetBlue, and various international carriers, making it a heavily trafficked area with the potential for widespread exposure.

Measles contamination risk emerges within major terminal

With the airport serving around 40,000 passengers each day, the window of potential exposure has raised serious concerns among health professionals. Because measles is airborne and can linger in the air for up to two hours after being expelled through coughs or sneezes, anyone in the terminal during the identified timeframe is considered at risk, even if they didn’t come into direct contact with the infected individual.

The New Jersey Department of Health confirmed that the infected person is not a resident of the state. It remains unknown whether this individual had been vaccinated against the measles virus, but their presence during the busy afternoon hours may have exposed hundreds of unaware flyers and staff members.

Officials are now advising anyone who was inside Terminal B between 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on that Monday to monitor themselves for signs of measles—including fever, rash, cough, and runny nose—through June 2, which marks the end of the virus’s incubation period.

Newark airport sees second confirmed measles incident

This incident marks the second time in 2025 that Newark Liberty International Airport has faced a potential measles crisis. In early April, another infected individual passed through Terminal A and visited multiple public locations, including a Starbucks, a Marriott hotel, and a nearby Irish pub. They also stopped at a medical center.

While that earlier case did not result in known transmissions within the state, experts cautioned then that the situation could have escalated quickly if not for prompt identification and containment. The recurrence within six weeks underscores the seriousness of the threat facing international and domestic travel hubs. New Jersey has now reported three measles cases in 2025, all believed to be within the same household. Still, the presence of out-of-state infected individuals using public transportation hubs has complicated containment efforts and heightened concerns about broader community transmission.

Explosive growth of measles outbreak nationwide

Nationally, the United States is grappling with its largest measles surge in decades. With over 1,000 confirmed cases already this year, 2025 is only the second year since 2000 that the case count has reached this level. That year marked the original elimination of endemic measles transmission in the U.S., a milestone now at risk.

A devastating outbreak concentrated in West Texas is largely responsible for this year’s alarming statistics. At least 717 people have fallen ill in that region, and two young girls -- aged six and eight -- have died from the disease. Such numbers have not been seen in over 20 years and are fueling pandemic-level concern among epidemiologists.

Public health officials fear that continued spread could threaten the country’s official measles elimination status, which would have broad implications for international travel, school immunization policies, and vaccine trust campaigns.

Strain grows at Newark amid recent disruption

Newark Liberty International Airport is already under pressure from recent disruptions. Just last week, its air traffic control tower experienced a dramatic 90-second blackout that triggered confusion and incomplete coordination among staff, leading to a temporary freeze in operations and significant workplace stress.

The emergence of a second serious measles scare in under two months places renewed strain on airport infrastructure and staff. The health alert adds to a mounting list of emergencies that have confronted airport authorities, all while maintaining the daily rhythm of transporting tens of thousands of travelers through its terminals. Airport officials have not commented publicly on the outbreak, but coordination with health departments is reportedly ongoing to notify potentially exposed passengers and ensure a swift public health response.

Lessons to learn

1. Stay informed when traveling through major transit hubs. Airports like Newark host tens of thousands of people daily, including travelers from around the world. It’s vital to stay connected to local health advisories and be aware of any reported communicable disease exposures.

2. Make sure vaccinations are up to date. Measles is highly contagious, with the ability to infect up to 90% of unvaccinated people exposed. Keeping immunizations current offers crucial protection, especially in crowded, enclosed spaces like airport terminals.

3. Monitor your health after known exposure risks. Health departments provided clear timelines for when symptoms might appear in exposed individuals. Following these guidelines can prevent further spread.

However, it's important to remember that outbreaks can happen despite taking precautions, and we must never blame victims for events beyond their control.

Why This Story Matters

This story highlights the enduring threat of vaccine-preventable diseases in crowded, globalized spaces. Newark Airport serves as a key entry point for millions of travelers, and any communicable illness passing through its gates holds the potential to impact a wide swath of the population.

Raising awareness about disease transmission and the importance of public health guidelines helps communities respond effectively before outbreaks spiral out of control.

With the nation still learning the long-term risks of other's health behavior, this case reminds us of how quickly one exposure can jeopardize public safety.