Possible Measles Exposure in Three U.S. Airports

Health officials are attempting to track travelers who may have been exposed to measles after a passenger who was contagious passed through three major U.S. airports recently.

Officials believe the measles was contracted overseas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is helping determine passengers on the plane who may be at risk, including those who sat next to the confirmed case, a 24-year-old woman, who recently traveled from the United Kingdom through Washington Dulles International Airport, Denver International Airport and on to Albuquerque International Airport.

The measles is a highly contagious airborne virus spread person to person that develops seven to 18 days after exposure and ranks as the leading cause of death among children in the developing world.

Thanks to vaccinations, the measles is rarely seen in U.S. children. The largest outbreak of measles in recent history occurred in 2008 when more than 130 cases were reported in the U.S.

People with measles are contagious for four days before and after the indicative rash appears. Other symptoms include inflamed eyes, fever, dry cough, sensitivity to light and runny nose.

If you are one of the many travelers who may have been exposed to the measles you should contact your primary care doctor immediately, and remember that measles develops seven to 18 days after exposure.