Health officials in Shelby County are investigating a confirmed case of measles involving an out-of-state resident who traveled through Memphis International Airport while contagious.
The Shelby County Health Department said in a release on Thursday that the individual was symptomatic upon arrival and may have exposed others to the highly contagious virus. Officials are working with state and federal partners to identify and notify people who may have been exposed during specific time periods at the airport.
Potential exposure occurred from 11 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, to 2 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, and again from noon to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3.
Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure but may take up to 21 days to develop. Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, white spots on the inside of the mouth, and a red rash that often begins on the face and spreads.
Health officials urge anyone experiencing symptoms to avoid visiting a doctor’s office, urgent care facility, or emergency room without first calling ahead. Arriving without notice could expose others to the virus.
People who were at the airport during the exposure times should check their measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination status and monitor for symptoms for 21 days. Those who are unvaccinated and believe they were exposed are advised to contact the Shelby County Health Department at 901-222-9243.
Public health officials said there are currently no measles cases in Shelby County, and the overall risk to the public remains low.
Image via Memphis International Airport
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