Measles Case Reported at Raleigh-Durham International Airport Sparks Vaccination Advisory
A confirmed measles case has been identified in a traveler who passed through Terminal 2 at Raleigh-Durham International Airport last week while contagious. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, along with Wake County Public Health, are addressing the situation, emphasizing the importance of vaccination to prevent further spread. The individual, residing in another state, was at the airport on December 10, 2025, for an early morning flight. There is currently no known health risk at the airport.
Public health officials urge all unvaccinated people aged one year and older to get the measles vaccine, with recommendations extending to infants aged 6-11 months if they are to travel internationally or to areas experiencing active outbreaks. Anyone present in Terminal 2 between 4-8 a.m. on December 10 may have been exposed and should monitor for symptoms until January 1, 2026. They are advised to contact their local health department if symptoms arise.
“Measles is a highly contagious disease and it spreads quickly in children and adults who are not vaccinated,” stated State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D, MPH. “All North Carolinians should ensure that they and their families are up to date on their MMR vaccine.”
To date, 1,912 measles cases have been confirmed across 43 states in 2025, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This represents the highest number of cases since the widespread adoption of the second MMR vaccine dose in the early 1990s. North Carolina has not reported any resident cases this year, although a child traveling from abroad was diagnosed in June.
Understanding Measles Transmission and Symptoms
Measles, a respiratory illness, spreads through the air via coughing and sneezing, or through direct contact with infected secretions. The virus can remain viable in the air for up to two hours. Symptoms typically emerge 7-14 days post-exposure but can appear as late as 21 days. Common symptoms include:
- High fever (potentially exceeding 104°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik Spots)
- Red, blotchy rash starting on the face and spreading
Severe complications can arise, particularly in young children, such as pneumonia and encephalitis. In 2024, measles led to approximately 95,000 deaths globally, predominantly among unvaccinated children under five. However, vaccination efforts have reduced this number by 88% since 2000, saving nearly 59 million lives.
The Role of Vaccination in Measles Prevention
Vaccinations remain the most effective method for preventing serious illnesses like measles. The MMR vaccine is highly effective, and it is recommended for everyone aged one year and older. Learn more about the efficacy of the MMR vaccine.
“Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing serious illness and death,” 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.”
Residents of North Carolina can obtain more information about vaccination locations and schedules by contacting their health provider or local health department. The Vaccines for Children program offers vaccines to eligible children through enrolled providers. The NCDHHS also provides a measles immunity checker tool for those uncertain about their vaccination status.
For further information about measles, visit dph.ncdhhs.gov/measles.
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