Measles Scare at Sunport: Traveler Frantically Seeks Vaccine After Exposure

NEW MEXICO
(KRQE) – As the measles outbreak continues to plague the U.S., several states are grappling with how to stop the spread.

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In New Mexico, an exposure was reported at the Albuquerque International Sunport last week. An exposed traveler told KRQE News 13 that the New Mexico Department of Health said they would have to report her to TSA unless she got vaccinated. She then feared they wouldn’t let her fly back home to Albuquerque.

This represents a measles outbreak spanning 35 states, or approximately 35 jurisdictions, nearly covering half of the U.S., along with parts of Canada and Mexico. This situation is quite unprecedented, with case counts nearing one thousand,” remarked Miranda Durham, Chief Medical Officer at NMDOH. She went on to suggest, “It may have been advised against traveling.

If you were traveling on Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m., and were in the main terminal or went through the TSA security checkpoint at the Sunport, you were likely exposed to the airborne disease.

The NMDOH reached out to those passengers on the flight who were directly affected by the contact tracing efforts. A passenger mentioned that she wasn’t certain whether her vaccinations were current. As a result, officials recommended that she receive the MMR vaccine, causing her some distress as she tried to obtain it during her trip. “The New Mexico Department of Health strongly advises individuals to confirm their vaccination status or ensure they have received all necessary immunizations prior to traveling,” stated Durham.

For individuals who have been exposed but do not wish to receive the vaccination, NMDOH suggests a 21-day quarantine period. To learn more about measles, visit their website.
measles.doh.nm.gov
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