Health officials are warning people who were inside Newark Liberty International Airport on Dec. 24 that they have been exposed to measles.
An international, unidentified traveler who arrived at Terminal B on a flight from Brussels on Monday was infected with the highly contagious disease, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.
Officials believe the flier may have also visited other areas of the airport and anyone who was at the airport from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. may have been exposed, reported CBS News.
It could take until Jan. 14 for someone who was infected by the passenger to develop symptoms of the measles, which include rashes, high fevers, coughing, runny nose and watery eyes. In rare cases, complications can be life-threatening.
The disease is easily spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes, and people can also become ill if they come in contact with saliva or mucus from an infected person. Unvaccinated individuals are the most at risk for infection.
On Friday, authorities are still urging anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles to call their doctor before making an appointment or visiting an emergency room.
“Two doses of measles vaccine are about 97 percent effective in preventing measles, so I urge all residents across the state to get vaccinated to protect their health,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal.
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