Missouri health officials warn of possible measles exposure in Lambert Airport Terminal 2 on Feb. 7

Confirmed case traveled through Terminal 2 and used a parking shuttle, prompting a public health advisory

Missouri health officials issued a public warning about a possible measles exposure at St. Louis Lambert International Airport after a confirmed case involving an out-of-state resident moved through parts of the airport on Friday, Feb. 7, 2026. The reported exposure window is between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., when the traveler was in Terminal 2, spent time at baggage claim, and rode Parking Spot shuttle No. 3 to a parking area.

People who may have been exposed on the individual’s flight are being notified directly. The broader advisory is aimed at anyone who may have been in the same Terminal 2 areas during the two-hour period, or who may have had close contact in the shuttle environment.

What to watch for and when symptoms could appear

Health officials urged potentially exposed individuals to monitor for measles symptoms for 21 days after the exposure date. For the Feb. 7 airport exposure, the monitoring period extends through Feb. 28, 2026.

• Early symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes.
• A rash typically develops after the initial symptoms and may appear several days later.

Measles is an airborne virus that can spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, which increases the risk of transmission in busy indoor settings such as airports and shuttles.

Guidance for people who may have been exposed

Anyone who develops symptoms consistent with measles is being advised to isolate and contact a health care provider before seeking in-person care. Advance notice allows clinics and hospitals to take precautions that reduce exposure risk for other patients and staff.

Health officials emphasized that people who suspect measles should call ahead before arriving for evaluation or testing.

Missouri health officials also continue to stress vaccination as the primary prevention tool. Two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine provide high protection against measles infection, and individuals unsure of their vaccination status can request immunization records or consult a medical provider.

Why public exposure notices matter in airports

Public advisories tied to travel hubs have become a recurring element of measles response because infected travelers may pass through crowded terminals before diagnosis. Such alerts are designed to speed up symptom recognition and reporting, particularly for people at higher risk of severe disease, including infants too young to be fully vaccinated and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Missouri has reported confirmed measles activity in the state in recent years and continues to investigate and respond to cases to prevent further spread. The Lambert advisory is part of that broader containment approach, combining direct notification of known contacts with public guidance for people who may have been in shared spaces during the exposure window.