Springfield-Greene County Health (SGCHD) was notified of a confirmed case of measles in an individual who traveled through the Springfield-Branson National Airport on Tuesday, Jan. 6.
People who were at Springfield-Branson National Airport from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 6 are potentially at risk for developing measles from exposure to this individual. If you were at the airport during this timeframe, you should monitor for symptoms of measles for 21 days. Symptoms would be expected to develop between January 13-27.
The individual is a resident of Florida and is no longer an exposure risk to Greene County residents.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MEASLES?
Measles is a highly contagious virus. Symptoms usually appear in two stages, starting 7-14 days after you have been exposed to the virus. However, you can develop symptoms up to 21 days later.
The first stage looks like the beginning of a cold with a runny nose, cough, rising fever, and your eyes may become red and sensitive to light.
The second stage begins about 3-5 days later and includes a high temperature (103-105°F) and a red, blotchy rash. The rash usually begins on the face and spreads down the trunk, arms and legs. Little white spots may also appear on the gums and inside of the cheeks. The rash lasts about 4-7 days.
Measles is sometimes complicated by diarrhea or ear infection. Some people may have serious complications like pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain) or death.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU DEVELOP SYMPTOMS
If you think you may have measles, call your healthcare provider before you go to any healthcare facility. Due to the contagiousness of measles, your healthcare provider may want you to follow certain steps to ensure they prevent the spread of measles to others in the facility.
HOW DOES MEASLES SPREAD?
When someone with measles coughs, sneezes or breathes out, tiny droplets with the measles virus go into the air where others can breathe them in. The virus can stay in the air for about two hours after someone with measles leaves a room, which makes it easy to spread. Measles can also spread by handling or touching contaminated objects and then touching your eyes, nose and/or mouth.
PROTECT AND PREVENT THROUGH VACCINATION
Measles, especially severe cases, can be prevented through the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The recommended two-dose series is 97% effective and typically provides lifetime protection.
BCHD encourages adults and parents in our community to review vaccination statuses. Missouri residents may be able to access their vaccine records through Docket.
Some adults, especially those born between 1957 and 1989 before the two-dose MMR series was implemented, may need a booster dose for stronger protection.
The Health Department can assist you with locating vaccination records.
ONGOING OUTBREAKS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
In 2025, there were 2,144 confirmed cases of measles across 44 states. This is the highest number of cases in a calendar year since 1991. 11% of confirmed cases required hospitalization, there have been three confirmed deaths, and 93% of cases were in people who did not receive the MMR vaccine or had unknown vaccination status.
Information shared from SGCHD warns of potential measles exposure at Springfield-Branson National Airport • Springfield, MO
