Two cases of measles have been confirmed at major US airports, prompting health officials to issue warnings as holiday travel continues. The cases were detected at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and Boston Logan International Airport in Massachusetts.
In New Jersey, a non-resident who became infected upon arrival was present at Newark Airport on December 12 between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm in Terminals B and C. Health officials urged the public to be aware of measles symptoms and ensure vaccination with the MMR shot.
At Boston Logan Airport, an infected person arrived on an American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth on December 11. The individual stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough and departed on December 12 via JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas. Officials noted the risk to most Massachusetts residents is low due to high vaccination rates.
Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure, starting with cold-like signs followed by a rash that begins on the head and spreads downward. As of December 30, the US has recorded 2,065 confirmed measles cases and 49 outbreaks in 2025, with 88% of cases outbreak-associated.
The rise in cases comes amid controversy over vaccine recommendations. In September, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted against recommending the MMRV vaccine for children under four. Health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccination to prevent further spread.
