Thu Dec 18 12:20:00 UTC 2025: News Article:

Measles Exposure at Raleigh-Durham Airport: Health Officials Urge Vaccination

RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has issued a warning after a person infected with measles traveled through Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) last week.

The out-of-state resident was present in Terminal 2 on December 10th between 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Individuals who were in the terminal during this time may have been exposed to the highly contagious disease and are advised to monitor themselves for measles symptoms until January 1st. Passengers on the individual’s flights are being contacted directly by their local health departments.

“Measles is a highly contagious disease, and it spreads quickly in children and adults who are not vaccinated,” said State Epidemiologist Zack Moore. “All North Carolinians should ensure that they and their families are up to date on their MMR vaccine.”

Health officials emphasized that there is no ongoing health risk at RDU. However, they strongly recommend that unvaccinated individuals, especially children and those with compromised immunity, receive the measles vaccination. Infants aged 6-11 months traveling internationally or to areas with outbreaks should also be vaccinated.

According to the CDC, the U.S. has reported 1,912 confirmed measles cases across 43 states this year, the highest number since the widespread use of the second MMR vaccine dose in the early 1990s. While no measles cases have been identified in North Carolina residents this year, experts predict that cases are likely to occur in the state.

Measles spreads through the air via coughing and sneezing and can live for up to two hours in the air. Symptoms appear 7-14 days after exposure and can include fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash. Measles can lead to serious complications like pneumonia and encephalitis, particularly in young children.

“Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available,” said Rebecca Kaufman, Wake County Public Health Director. “The MMR vaccine is effective, safe and readily available, and we hope these outbreaks will encourage everyone who has not been vaccinated to contact their health care provider to make sure they are up to date.”

Read More