Measles exposure at St. Louis Lambert airport, health officials warn

February 18, 2026 - 00:42

Health officials have issued a public warning regarding a potential measles exposure at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. The alert concerns a specific timeframe on the evening of Wednesday, February 7th.

According to the advisory, an individual with a confirmed case of measles was present within the Southwest Airlines terminal. The exposure period occurred between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. that day, following the person's arrival on a domestic flight.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through the air via coughing and sneezing. The virus can linger in a space for up to two hours after an infected person has left. Health authorities are urging anyone who was in the designated terminal during that two-hour window to take precautions.

Officials advise individuals to first verify their vaccination status against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Those who are unvaccinated or unsure of their immunity should monitor themselves closely for symptoms. Early signs of measles typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by a distinctive red rash that appears a few days later. Anyone developing potential symptoms is instructed to contact a healthcare provider by phone immediately before visiting a clinic or hospital to prevent further potential spread.