A recent case of measles has been confirmed in a traveler who passed through Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), the individual was an out-of-state resident and traveled through Terminal 2.
Details of the Exposure
The traveler was at the airport on December 10, arriving for an early morning flight between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. Health officials have indicated that anyone present in Terminal 2 during this timeframe may have been exposed and should monitor for symptoms until January 1.
Health Risk Assessment
Despite the confirmed case, NCDHHS reassured that there is currently no known health risk at RDU. Local health departments are contacting passengers who traveled on flights with the infected individual.
Importance of Vaccination
State Epidemiologist Zack Moore emphasized the contagious nature of measles, especially for unvaccinated individuals. “All North Carolinians should ensure that they and their families are up to date on their MMR vaccine,” he stated.
Public health officials recommend vaccination for anyone aged one and older who has not received the measles vaccine. Infants between 6 to 11 months old traveling to areas with active outbreaks are also advised to get vaccinated.
Concerns for At-Risk Groups
- Unvaccinated children
- Expectant mothers lacking sufficient vaccination
- Older adults who may have lost immunity
Dr. David Wohl, a professor of infectious diseases at UNC, expressed concerns about individuals who have not been vaccinated, as they are at a higher risk of severe complications from the disease.
Current Measles Statistics
As of December 9, the CDC reported a total of 1,912 measles cases across 43 states in 2023. This figure marks the highest number of cases in the U.S. since the early 1990s when the second dose of the MMR vaccine became widely available.
No cases of measles have been reported in North Carolina residents this year, but a confirmed case occurred in June involving a child who traveled from abroad.
Transmission and Symptoms
Measles spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing and can remain airborne for up to two hours. Symptoms typically manifest 7-14 days post-exposure and can include the following:
- High fever (potentially exceeding 104 degrees)
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Koplik spots (tiny white spots inside the mouth)
- Rash: red, raised, and typically appearing after two to three days
Measles can lead to serious complications, especially in children, including pneumonia and encephalitis. In 2024, approximately 95,000 people died globally from measles, mostly unvaccinated children under five.
Conclusion
Public health advocates stress the importance of vaccination as a viable prevention method against measles and its complications. “Vaccines are among the most successful public health tools,” remarked Rebecca Kaufman, Director of Wake County Public Health. She urged unvaccinated individuals to consult healthcare providers to ensure proper vaccination.
