Health Department Warns of Possible Measles Exposure at the Philadelphia International Airport

PHILADELPHIA-The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is notifying travelers and others of a possible measles exposure at the following location:

• Philadelphia International Airport Terminal E
  • Thursday, February 12^th, 2026 from 1:35 pm to 4:30 pm

The individual with measles was traveling through Philadelphia. The Health Department is encouraging people who were exposed to check their vaccination status and watch for symptoms.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk. People who aren't protected against measles can get the virus up to two hours after someone else with measles left the same room or airspace. The early symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes, followed by rash. In some people, it can be a very serious infection that leads to pneumonia, brain infection, and death.

"We believe there is no threat to the general public associated with this case of measles," said Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson. "We encourage people who were possibly exposed to take action if they are not protected against measles. Many countries, including travel destinations, are experiencing measles outbreaks, so the risk of travel-related measles cases remains. In addition, measles cases and outbreaks have continued to increase in the United States, including a very large and ongoing outbreak in South Carolina. We strongly encourage parents to follow the immunization schedule and get their children fully vaccinated as soon as they are able. People planning to travel outside the United States or to locations within the United States with large outbreaks should speak with their doctor about their travel plans and vaccinations needed."

The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective and is the best way to avoid serious complications of a vaccine-preventable disease. MMR vaccine is routinely recommended for patients 12-15 months with a second dose given at age 4-6 years. Infants under 12 months are not routinely eligible for the vaccine and are not protected. However, infants 6 to 11 months old should receive a dose of MMR vaccine to protect them before traveling internationally. Families who are traveling outside the United States or to an area in the United States with a large outbreak should speak to their infant's doctor at least 2 weeks before departing for their trip.

The Health Department recommends that anyone possibly exposed to measles should determine if they are protected against measles. Generally, you are considered protected (immune) if you were:

1. • Born before 1957, or
   • Have already had measles, or
   • Have received two doses of measles-containing vaccine (usually given as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine).
     • Look at your vaccination records or ask your healthcare provider to see if you have already had two doses of this vaccine.
     • If you have only received one dose of measles-containing vaccine, your risk of measles following this exposure is low. Discuss getting the second dose of the vaccine with your healthcare provider.

If you are protected from measles, you do not have to do anything. MMR vaccines are extremely effective at preventing measles.

1. If you are not protected from measles, you should receive a dose of MMR vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn how you can get this vaccine.
2. Those who are under 12 months of age, pregnant and not immune, or are immunosuppressed (have a weakened immune system) should consult with their healthcare provider as soon as possible. Management of exposure to measles may be different with these conditions.
3. Measles is contagious for 4 days before to 4 days after rash starts. If you are not immune and may have been exposed, you could give measles to someone at high risk before developing rash. To prevent that from happening, please wear a mask in indoor public spaces and around anyone who is unvaccinated until 3 weeks after the exposure.
4. If you are not immune and may have been exposed, and you develop any symptoms through March 5^th, 2026 that appear like measles, contact your doctor immediately. The early symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes, followed by rash. Tell your doctor that you may have been exposed to measles. You should also notify your local health department (Philadelphia: 215-685-6740) or the state health department at 877-724-3258 for residents of other counties in Pennsylvania if you develop measles symptoms.

For more information about measles, visit the CDC's webpage on measles. For information on the recommended vaccine schedule, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website. The Health Department will post any updates on exposures on phila.gov/measles as needed.