Most contagious disease in the world reported at two major US airports
Gerrard Kaonga
Featured Image Credit: RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images
One of the most contagious diseases in the world has been reported in places across the US, as well as two major US airports.
Thanks to modern medicine and hygienic practices, there are a lot of diseases and ailments we don’t need to worry about as much.
While there is a lot of things that can go wrong with the human body, we understand it considerably better than we have in the past so are able to prevent many of the diseases and illnesses that would have devastated populations in the past.
Unfortunately, one disease, thought to be eradicated in the US, is currently making a concerning comeback.
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According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cases are up to numbers not seen in the US for the last 30 years.
The disease in question? Measles.
According to the CDC, as of December 30, 2025, there have been a total of 2,065 confirmed measles cases in the country.
The last time the US saw a figure as high as 2,000 was 1992, when 2,126 infections were confirmed, CDC data states.
As well as this, cases have been identified in passengers at multiple airports.
A New Jersey Department of Health press release explained that a case was identified in a passenger at Terminals B and C at Newark Liberty International Airport on December 12.
The press release noted that anyone who was between Terminal B and C between 7am and 7pm may have been exposed to the disease.
A Massachusetts Department of Public Health press release also noted that a traveler who was on an American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, arriving at Terminal B at Boston Logan International Airport on December 11 has also been diagnosed with measles.
The press release read: “On December 11 at 2:39 p.m., the visitor arrived at Boston Logan Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, TX. The visitor stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on December 12 via Logan Airport at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas, NV.
"DPH is working with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.”
Measles is viral infection that causes cold-like symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, and is typically followed by a blotched red rash.
It can also lead to serious health complications, particularly in children younger than 5 years old. These include common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis.