A person with measles travelled through the busiest airport in Idaho, bringing with them one of the world’s most infectious viruses. Health officials are now warning residents and travellers about potential exposure while attempting to directly notify passengers who shared flights with the infected individual.

The infected person was present at the Boise airport between 1:30 am and 7:40 am on March 29, creating a risk for anyone in close proximity. Symptoms of measles typically begin as a fever, cough, runny nose, and watery red eyes, developing within seven to twenty-one days after exposure.

Idaho stands out as particularly susceptible to measles outbreaks due to its high rate of non-medical vaccination exemptions. The state has the highest rate in the country, with 15.4% of kindergartners having an exemption that allows them to skip the vaccine. Only 0.3% of these exemptions are for medical reasons, while 15.1% are non-medical.

Health officials emphasize that infected people can spread the virus up to four days before symptoms show and remain infectious for another four days after the rash appears. With measles being one of the world’s most contagious diseases, authorities urge vigilance and prompt action among those who may have been exposed during this period.