A visitor with measles recently passed through Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, prompting health officials to issue an alert regarding potential exposure. According to a news release from the Southern Nevada Health District, the individual was at the airport near the D Gates, specifically Gate D1, around midnight on December 13, 2023. The identified exposure window was from 12:30 to 2:30 a.m. on the same day.
Public health officials are concerned due to the highly contagious nature of measles. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the vicinity, which means exposure could occur without any direct contact. Individuals who were in the D Gates area during this time are advised to check their immunization records immediately.
For those who are not fully vaccinated against measles or who have never had the disease, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for guidance. Symptoms of measles can develop within a timeframe of seven to 21 days following exposure, making prompt action important.
This case marks part of a concerning trend, as the Southern Nevada Health District has reported multiple measles cases in Clark County over the past three months. In fact, the first confirmed cases of measles in a county resident since 2018 were reported last month, along with another case involving a visitor in October.
Measles outbreaks have been increasingly reported across the United States, highlighting the critical need for vaccination and swift public health responses. To learn more about measles and the MMR vaccine, individuals can visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, those seeking vaccination can schedule appointments at clinics operated by the Southern Nevada Health District through their immunization page.
This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of maintaining vaccination coverage and awareness, especially in areas with reported cases.
