Measles Exposure Reported at Philadelphia Airport Terminal

Health officials warn of potential measles exposure at PHL Terminal E last week

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Philadelphia health officials have issued a warning about a measles exposure at Philadelphia International Airport's Terminal E last Thursday. Anyone who was in the terminal between 1:35 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. that day and is not immune to measles is being urged to monitor for symptoms through March 5 and contact their healthcare provider if they become ill.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread through the air, and people with measles are contagious for several days before and after the rash appears. An exposure in a crowded airport terminal poses a risk of potential wider transmission, especially for unvaccinated individuals.

The details

According to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, a person with measles was present in Terminal E during the specified time window last Thursday. Health officials are advising anyone who was in the terminal during that period and cannot show evidence of immunity to measles to watch for symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red, spotty rash. They are also recommending that those individuals contact their healthcare provider, as a dose of the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure may help prevent or lessen infection.

  • The measles exposure occurred at Philadelphia International Airport's Terminal E between 1:35 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2026.
  • The window for monitoring for measles symptoms extends through March 5, 2026.

The players

Philadelphia Department of Public Health

The local public health agency that issued the alert about the measles exposure at PHL Terminal E.

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What’s next

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is advising anyone who may have been exposed to check their vaccination records and contact their healthcare provider. The city is also offering free MMR vaccine at its health centers for those who are uninsured.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the continued need for vigilance against measles outbreaks, especially in high-traffic public spaces like airports. It underscores the importance of vaccination to protect both individual and community health.