Measles Confirmed at Las Vegas Airport

Posted on: December 23, 2025, 01:35h. 

Last updated on: December 23, 2025, 02:14h.

Corey Levitan Read More
Expertise: Commercial Gaming, Entertainment, Expert Insight, Las Vegas, Restaurants, Vegas Myths Busted.
  • Officials issued a warning Tuesday for travelers at Harry Reid International Airport about potential measles exposure at the facility
  • An infected traveler passed through the airport over the weekend
  •  Measles symptoms can appear between one and three weeks after exposure

Las Vegas health officials are alerting travelers about a potential measles exposure at Harry Reid International Airport. According to the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD), an infected visitor passed through the airport on Saturday, December 13, between 12:30 am and 2:30 am. The individual — an out‑of‑state traveler — spent time near Gate D1 shortly after arriving on a flight around midnight.

AI imagines measles terrorizing Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. (Image: Microsoft CoPilot)

Because measles is considered one of the most contagious respiratory illnesses, SNHD urges anyone in the D gate concourse during that two‑hour window to be aware of their potential exposure.

The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, meaning travelers could have been exposed with no direct interaction.

SNHD notes that measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure. Early signs can include fever, cough, runny nose, and red or irritated eyes. The well‑known measles rash usually develops one to four days after these initial symptoms.

People who are experiencing symptoms should stay home, avoid public places and contact with others, and call ahead before visiting a health care facility so providers can take precautions and prevent further exposure,” health officials stated.

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed is encouraged to review their vaccination history. Officials continue to highlight the importance of vaccination, noting that the MMR vaccine — which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella — is considered safe and highly effective. Two doses provide about 97% protection against measles.

Staying current on recommended vaccinations, SNHD says, remains one of the strongest tools for preventing outbreaks and protecting the broader community.

If symptoms such as fever or a rash develop, SNHD recommends contacting a healthcare provider so that proper precautions can be taken for your office or hospital visit. They also advise that people experiencing symptoms should attempt to remain at home and avoid all public spaces to reduce the risk of spreading the virus further.

This marks the second measles exposure warning connected to Harry Reid International Airport in recent months. A similar alert was issued in October, following another unrelated case.

SNHD also recently confirmed the first measles case in a Clark County resident since 2018.

Measles Symptoms

Symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red eyes
  • Rash (usually 1–4 days after initial symptoms)
  • Measles can spread from four days before the rash appears until four days after

Who’s Most at Risk?

Complications may affect even healthy individuals, but higher risk groups include:

  • Anyone who was never vaccinated
  • Children under 5
  • Pregnant women
  • People with weakened immune systems

Vaccine Facts

  • The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is safe and highly effective
  • Two doses provide about 97% protection against measles
  • Staying current with vaccinations is the most effective way to prevent outbreaks and protect public health