September 17th, 2026
Individuals with measles traveled through the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport on September 8 and 13
Individuals who tested positive for measles traveled through the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport on September 8 and 13 and may have exposed others to the disease. The individuals are not residents of Monroe County, but traveled through the airport on the way to another destination.
Any county residents who were on flights affected by the potential exposure and require specific guidance will be contacted individually by the Monroe County Department of Public Health.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people. However, the risk of illness is considered to be low, as many people in our community have immunity to measles either from vaccination or having the disease. If a person is immune to measles, it is unlikely that he or she would become ill if exposed. Those at highest risk include pregnant women, people who are immunocompromised, infants, and adults who either have not been vaccinated or have not had measles.
Symptoms of measles appear in 10-12 days after exposure but may take as long as 21 days. Symptoms generally appear in two stages. In the first stage, which lasts two to four days, the individual may have a runny nose, cough and a slight fever. Eyes may become reddened and sensitive to light while the fever gradually rises each day, often peaking as high as 103° to 105° F. Small bluish white spots surrounded by a reddish area may also appear on the inside of the mouth.
The second stage begins on the third to seventh day and consists of a red blotchy rash lasting five to six days. The rash usually begins on the face and then spreads downward and outward, reaching the hands and feet. The rash fades in the same order that it appeared, from head to extremities. A person can spread measles from 4 days before the onset of rash through 4 days after the rash begins. Although measles is usually considered a childhood disease, it can be contracted at any age.
Anyone who was inside the airport between 3:20 p.m. and 6 p.m. September 8 and/or between 11:20 p.m. September 13 and 2 a.m. September 14, should abide by the following protocols:
- If you were potentially exposed on September 8, monitor for signs and symptoms of measles through Tuesday, September 29.
- If you were potentially exposed on September 13/14, monitor for signs and symptoms of measles through Monday, October 5.
- If you do not know your vaccination status, contact your healthcare provider or the health department to determine next steps.
- If you do become ill, you should seek medical care immediately:
- Contact your health care provider or emergency department before seeking care to avoid exposing others to illness;
- Do not go to work, school or other public places; and
- Notify the local health department about your possible exposure to measles. Residents of Monroe County should call 585-753-5555. All others, please call the local health department in the county where you live.
The single best way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated. Individuals are recommended to receive 2 doses of MMR vaccine to be protected. To learn more about measles, visit monroecounty.gov/health-measles or health.ny.gov/publications/2170/.
