A person with measles traveled through PHL Airport this past Thursday, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health announced on Sunday.
The measles exposure occurred at Terminal E between 1:35 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 12, 2026, officials said.
“Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk,” Philly health officials said in the release. “People who aren’t protected against measles can get the virus up to two hours after someone else with measles left the same room or airspace.”
Early symptoms of measles include cough, fever, red, watery eyes and then a rash, officials said. Measles can result in pneumonia, brain infection and death.
Although there is a vaccine to protect against measles, outbreaks have been rising in the U.S. in recent years due to people opting to not get the shot.
People who are not vaccinated but were born before 1957 or have already had measles are generally considered immune, officials said.
Anyone who is not protected against measles, was exposed to it at the airport and develops any symptoms before March 5, 2026, should contact their doctor immediately, officials said.
Dr. Diego Hijano, a pediatric infectious disease expert from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, answers your questions on how the MMR vaccine can protect your kids from the measles.