Hundreds Exposed to Measles at 4 US Airports (Symptoms)

Measles Outbreak Risk in Woman's Flight Path: Washington D.C., Baltimore, Denver, Albuquerque

Hundreds of travelers may have been exposed to measles aboard commercial flights and at four US airports. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) a woman infected with measles flew from the UK to Washington Dulles (IAD), then to Baltimore (BWI), then Denver (DEN), ending up home in Albuquerque (ABQ).

Apparently the woman had contracted measles abroad, and was traveling just before she came down with visible symptoms.

If you flew between those airports between February 20 and 22 and sat near a 27-year-old woman (no further description is available, which isn't very helpful), the CDC may be contacting you. The CDC is using the passenger manifests and seating charts to get in touch with anyone who may have been exposed due to proximity.

If you picked up luggage at the international baggage claim at IAD on Feb 20, or at BWI, DEN or ABQ on the evening of the 22nd, contact your doctor if you have any symptoms

What are the Symptoms of Measles?

Measles symptoms tend to begin with a fever, and  include:

• Runny nose
• Sensitivity to light
• Dry cough
• Inflamed eyes
• White spots in mouth
• Blotchy skin rashes

Mayo Clinic: Measles symptoms

Measles is highly contagious, and is spread via mucus. If you are infected, you are contagious for several days before symptoms become visible. 

Vaccination against measles is widespread in the US.