{
  "id": 9322623,
  "title": "Map Shows US Measles Cases As Airport Warning Issued",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/map-shows-us-measles-cases-as-airport-warning-issued",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-23T11:20:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/map-us-measles-cases-airport-warning-issued-12476729"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the U.S., over 3,400 measles cases have been confirmed this year, marking a concerning resurgence of the highly contagious virus. On September 13-14, a traveler with measles passed through Philadelphia International Airport, potentially exposing passengers and staff in terminals B, F, and the connecting areas of terminals C, D, and E. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has issued a warning for those who were in these areas during the exposure window, advising them to check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms. The CDC has recorded 3,471 confirmed cases nationwide as of September 17, surpassing the previous year's total of 2,289 cases. Health officials urge those who are not immune, are infants, pregnant, or immunocompromised to contact a healthcare provider if they develop symptoms through October 5. The two recent measles exposures at Philadelphia's airport and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia are unrelated, with city officials emphasizing the importance of vaccination for all residents, particularly to protect vulnerable populations. The CDC has reported 39 new outbreaks in 2026, with 95% of cases linked to these outbreaks. Pennsylvania has been the hardest-hit state, with 745 cases in 2026 compared to just 16 in 2025. Other states with significant outbreaks include South Carolina, Utah, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, Florida, Ohio, and Arizona. Only Arkansas, Hawaii, Mississippi, New Hampshire, and Nevada have not reported any cases yet in 2026. Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash that spreads from the head downward. Complications such as pneumonia and brain inflammation can occur, particularly among infants, young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. The MMR vaccine is highly effective, with one dose preventing 93% of cases and two doses being 97% effective. However, declining vaccination coverage and waning confidence in vaccines have contributed to the resurgence of measles in the U.S.",
  "summary": "The state worst impacted by the measles outbreak this year is Pennsylvania, which has recorded 745 cases in 2026 alone.",
  "key_points": [
    "Over 3,400 measles cases confirmed in U.S. this year",
    "Philadelphia Airport exposed 3,471 cases as of September 17",
    "95% of 2026 cases linked to CDC-reported 39 outbreaks"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}