Three major US airports—New York’s JFK, Los Angeles International (LAX), and Washington Dulles—are on high alert after multiple measles cases were reported among arriving passengers. Authorities are actively working to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
Confirmed Measles Cases at Airports
JFK Airport (New York)
- On March 3, a child who arrived on a China Airlines flight tested positive for measles.
- Health officials fear the virus may have spread to other passengers in the terminal.
LAX Airport (Los Angeles)
- On February 19, a traveler on a Korean Air flight from Seoul was confirmed to have measles.
- The exposure risk extends to other passengers who may have been present in the airport.
Dulles International Airport (Washington, D.C.)
- On March 5, a passenger arriving on an international flight was diagnosed with measles.
- Travelers who were at Terminal A between 4 PM and 9 PM are urged to monitor their health.
Additional Exposure Warning in Maryland
Health officials have also issued an advisory for individuals who visited Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Pediatric Emergency Department on March 7 (3:30 PM – 7:30 PM), as they may have been exposed to the virus.
Advisory for Travelers: What to Do
- Check Vaccination Status: Ensure you have received the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine.
- Monitor Symptoms: Measles symptoms appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and include:
- Cold-like symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose)
- Red rash appearing a few days after fever
- Seek Medical Attention: If symptoms develop, contact a doctor immediately and avoid public places to prevent further spread.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and urging travelers to take necessary precautions. Stay updated for further health advisories.