World’s Most Contagious Virus Detected at Two Major U.S. Airports

Health officials in two states are urging travelers to be alert after separate measles exposures were reported at major U.S. airports during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

The New Jersey Department of Health announced that a traveler who passed through Newark Liberty International Airport on December 12 tested positive for measles. The individual was present in Terminals B and C, prompting a multi-agency effort to notify passengers and track potential exposures.

Measles — considered one of the most transmissible viruses in the world — spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours, meaning people may be exposed even after the carrier has left the area.

Authorities are asking anyone who believes they may have been exposed not to walk into a clinic or hospital without calling ahead, to avoid further spread while medical staff prepare appropriate precautions. The state says it is continuing contact-tracing efforts in coordination with local health departments.

Individuals most at risk include people who are not fully vaccinated or who have never previously had measles. New Jersey has reported 11 confirmed measles cases so far this year, according to officials.

The exposure comes as U.S. air travel hits record seasonal demand, with AAA estimating more than 8 million passengers will fly during the holiday period.

Second Case Reported at Boston Logan Airport

A separate case was identified in Massachusetts, where a visitor from Texas was diagnosed with measles after traveling through Boston Logan International Airport. State health officials said the traveler arrived on American Airlines Flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth and was in Terminal B.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued an alert to passengers who may have crossed paths with the individual and is conducting its own contact-tracing review.

Nationwide, measles activity remains elevated. As of December 23, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 2,012 U.S. cases this year.

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