Urgent Public Health Alert: Measles Exposure Confirmed at Denver International Airport

Health officials have issued a critical public health alert following confirmed measles exposure at Denver International Airport (DIA). Travelers who were present at specific locations within the airport during designated times are urged to monitor for symptoms and seek immediate medical guidance.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) announced that an individual diagnosed with measles traveled through DIA, creating potential exposure points for the public.

The exposure occurred on [Date, e.g., August 15, 2025] between approximately [Time, e.g., 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM MDT] in [Specific areas, e.g., Concourse A and the A-Gates TSA Security Checkpoint]. Passengers and airport staff present in these areas during the specified window are considered at risk.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus.

Symptoms typically include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days. It can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death, especially in young children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

If you were at DIA during the identified exposure times and locations, or if you develop symptoms consistent with measles, it is crucial to contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Do NOT go directly to an emergency room or clinic without calling ahead, as this could risk further spread of the virus to vulnerable patients and staff. Inform your provider of your potential exposure so they can take appropriate precautions to prevent transmission.

Public health authorities emphasize that the best protection against measles is vaccination with the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles. Individuals who are fully vaccinated are at very low risk of contracting the disease. For more information on measles symptoms, prevention, and vaccination, please visit the CDPHE website or consult your primary care physician.