Anchorage Health Officials Say Measles Case At Airport Last Monday

HEALTH ALERT 

PERSON WITH MEASLES AT ANCHORAGE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 13TH, 2025  

Measles, once a common but dangerous "Childhood Disease"
is making a comeback. (Stock photo)

A person with measles may have exposed people at Ted Stevens Airport on a trip from Las Vegas by way of Seattle, according to the Anchorage Health Department. The exposure time was between 4 pm and 8 pm on Monday. 

Health officials say the person was isolated upon arriving in Anchorage. However, measles is highly contagious, both through the air and by direct contact. The person was not immunized, and came from an area of the U.S. were there is "a substantial measles outbreak."

There are notices out for those at Seattle-Tacoma Airport and the airport in Las Vegas, too. 

Overview On Measles From Alaska State Medical Department 

Measles isn’t just a little rash. It’s a highly contagious viral respiratory illness that can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. Each year around the world, an estimated 10 million people get measles, and about 110,000 of them die from it.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear 7-14 days after infection, starting with a high fever (which can exceed 104°F), cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. After 2-3 days, small white spots (Koplik spots) may develop inside the mouth. A red, blotchy rash typically appears 3-5 days later, spreading across most of the body. If you think you or someone in your family might have measles, call your health care provider or your local public health center immediately.

Treatment

While measles typically clears up in about 4-6 days, it can cause serious health complications, especially in young children.  Call your healthcare provider right away if you think you or your child may have measles to prevent further spread of the virus and receive care quickly.

Prevention

To prevent the spread of measles and protect individuals, it is very important to stay up to date on vaccinations. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is highly effective and safe. 

• Because the measles vaccine is long-lasting and effective, booster shots are not needed for adults who were vaccinated as children. However, there may be some special situations where re-vaccination is needed.
• Children need two doses of MMR vaccine for best protection:
  • The first dose at 12 through 15 months of age
  • The second dose at 4 through 6 years of age

Reporting

Health care providers and laboratories are required to report measles immediately.