World's most contagious virus detected at major US airport; prompting exposure alert

Philadelphia health officials have issued a warning after two possible measles exposures were reported in less than a week, with the latest detected at the Philadelphia International Airport.

The exposure happened at airport terminals B and F, as well as areas used to connect to other terminals in C, D, and E, from Sunday, September 12, to Monday, September 14, 2026, according to Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

The identified individual was transiting through Philadelphia and stayed within the airport.

The first case was reported on September 17 at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

The Pennsylvania and Philadelphia health departments, along with CHOP, have said they are “working closely to ensure potentially exposed infants receive a preventive antibody product to prevent disease and to take steps to prevent the further spread of measles.”

The state health officials have urged those who were potentially exposed to check their vaccination status and watch for symptoms.

Measles is regarded as a highly contagious disease that can be transmitted from one person to another through the air and can stay in the air for two hours after a sick person coughs or sneezes.

The symptoms can develop into further complications, including pneumonia, brain rot, and deafness.