Public health officials are warning travelers about a confirmed measles exposure at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, urging anyone who passed through Terminal 4 on Jan. 29 to watch for symptoms in the coming days.

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) says the infected individual, who is not a county resident, was contagious while traveling through the airport between 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Officials are working with federal, state, and airport partners to notify those who may have been exposed.

Part of a Broader Pattern of Exposures

This latest alert marks one of several measles exposures reported across the Valley this year. While six public exposure sites have been identified in metro Phoenix, only two remain active: Sky Harbor’s Terminal 4 and the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, where exposures occurred Jan. 23–24.
Despite the number of exposure sites, confirmed measles cases among Maricopa County residents remain at three for 2026.

Highly Contagious Virus

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the virus can linger for up to two hours after they leave an area. Health officials emphasize that unvaccinated individuals face a high risk of infection if exposed.

What to Watch For

Symptoms typically appear 7–12 days after exposure but may take up to 21 days. They include:
• Fever, which can spike to 104°F or higher
• Red, watery eyes
• Cough
• Runny nose
• A red, raised, blotchy rash that starts at the hairline and moves downward

Anyone who was in Terminal 4 during the exposure window should monitor for symptoms through Feb. 19. Those who were at the Arizona Athletic Grounds should watch for symptoms through Feb. 14.

Health Officials: Call Ahead Before Seeking Care

Individuals who develop symptoms are urged to stay home and contact a healthcare provider before arriving at a clinic or hospital to avoid exposing others. There is no treatment for measles, but it can be prevented with the MMR vaccine.