City of St. Louis Department of Health Issues Advisory on Potential Measles Exposure at St. Louis Lambert Airport

Coordinated local and state response underway; City urges public awareness, preventive care, and immediate action for vulnerable populations exposed

(This release comes from the Department of Health- City of St. Louis)

ST. LOUIS, MO (February 17, 2026): A confirmed case of measles from an out-of-state resident was reported to have traveled through St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) following a domestic flight between 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 7. On STL grounds, the individual was in Terminal 2, at baggage claim, and rode Parking Spot shuttle No. 3 to the parking area. Those potentially exposed during the individual’s flight are being notified directly.

“Measles is not just a routine childhood illness — it is a highly contagious and potentially serious disease,” said City of St. Louis Department of Health Commissioner Victoria Anwuri. “Our department is working closely with state partners to provide clear guidance and information and to protect the health and safety of everyone in our community.

“Anyone who experiences symptoms should immediately isolate and contact their health care provider; you should contact any medical facility before arrival so that proper precautions can be taken to ensure the safety of others.”

All individuals with possible exposures should watch for the symptoms of measles for 21 days (Feb. 28 in this case) from the date of exposure and report to their local public health agency if symptoms appear. People who think they have measles should isolate themselves and call their health care provider before arriving to be tested. It is important to let the provider know of the concern for measles and to get instructions on how to come to the office for diagnosis without exposing other people to the virus.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that typically begins with fever, cough, runny nose, and red and watery eyes. One person with measles can easily pass it on to 9 out of 10 people around them who are unvaccinated or do not have natural immunity. Symptoms appear 7-14 days, on average, after contact with the virus. Tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin. The measles rash appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms. It usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline. They then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. Measles can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and death. Measles can be transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves an area. People who are infected will typically develop symptoms 1-2 weeks after exposure to a person with measles.

Measles can be especially dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn babies. Children too young to be vaccinated are more likely to have severe complications if they get infected with the measles virus. However, each MMR dose lowers the risk of infection and the severity of illness if infected.

Health care providers can find recommendations for infection control and diagnostic testing in the CDC health advisory. Providers should report any suspected cases to their local health department immediately, preferably while the patient is still with the provider.

More information about measles and county-level MMR vaccination rates can be found at Health.Mo.Gov/Measles.

Documents
● City of St. Louis Department of Health – Measles Data Brief – 05/05/2025