Memphis, Tennessee, January 9, 2026
Health officials have issued a measles exposure alert for travelers at Memphis International Airport after an infected out-of-state resident was confirmed. Those who were at the airport during specific times are urged to monitor for symptoms and ensure their MMR vaccination status. Symptoms may appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, and unvaccinated individuals are advised to contact health authorities if exposed. Public health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination to prevent further spread.
Measles Exposure Alert Issued for Memphis International Airport
Memphis, Tennessee – Health officials have confirmed a measles case involving an out-of-state resident who traveled through Memphis International Airport while contagious. The Shelby County Health Department is advising travelers who were at the airport during specific times to monitor for symptoms and consider vaccination if unprotected.
Exposure Details
The infected individual was present at Memphis International Airport during the following periods:
- Tuesday, December 30, 2025, from 11:00 pm to 2:00 am on December 31, 2025
- Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Individuals who were at the airport during these times may have been exposed to the virus. Public health officials are collaborating with state and federal partners to identify and notify potentially exposed individuals.
Symptoms and Recommendations
Symptoms of measles typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days to develop. Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red or watery eyes
- White spots inside the mouth
- Red rash that often begins on the face
Individuals who were at the airport during the specified times should check their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination status. Those who are unvaccinated and believe they were exposed are advised to contact the Shelby County Health Department at 901-222-9243. If symptoms develop, it is crucial to avoid visiting a doctor’s office, urgent care facility, or emergency room without first calling ahead to prevent further spread.
Background Information
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and inflammation of the brain. The virus is airborne and can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. The MMR vaccine is recommended for all individuals, especially those who are unvaccinated or have not had measles previously.
Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination and vigilance in monitoring for symptoms to protect public health and prevent further transmission of the virus.
FAQ
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that causes symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, white spots inside the mouth, and a red rash that often begins on the face.
How is measles transmitted?
Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
What should I do if I was at Memphis International Airport during the specified times?
If you were at the airport on December 30, 2025, from 11:00 pm to 2:00 am on December 31, 2025, or on January 3, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 6:30 pm, and are unvaccinated or have not had measles previously, contact the Shelby County Health Department at 901-222-9243. Monitor for symptoms and avoid visiting healthcare facilities without calling ahead if symptoms develop.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, white spots inside the mouth, and a red rash that often begins on the face.
How can I prevent measles?
Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles. Ensure your vaccinations are up-to-date, especially if you are unvaccinated or have not had measles previously.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exposure Dates and Times | December 30, 2025, 11:00 pm to December 31, 2025, 2:00 am; January 3, 2026, 12:00 pm to 6:30 pm |
| Symptoms of Measles | Fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, white spots inside the mouth, red rash starting on the face |
| Preventive Measures | Check MMR vaccination status; contact Shelby County Health Department if unvaccinated and exposed; avoid visiting healthcare facilities without calling ahead if symptoms develop |
| Public Health Advisory | Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination and monitoring for symptoms to prevent further transmission |
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