6 days ago
Passenger with measles travels through SLC airport, determined low risk for spread
SALT LAKE CITY () — A passenger traveling in the Salt Lake City International Airport in late May who was diagnosed with measles was determined to be vaccinated and of low risk of spreading the disease.
'This individual had previously been vaccinated and posed a low risk of infection to others. The person rented a car in Salt Lake City and drove to Idaho, where they developed symptoms and were diagnosed,' the Utah Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement. 'They made no stops in Utah, and the exposures of concern were all in Idaho.'
Summit County Nursing Director Derek Moss said in a Summit County Board of Health meeting Monday night that the passenger flew in from Canada to the Salt Lake City International Airport on May 19.
The passenger reportedly drove to southern Idaho without making any stops along the route. On May 23, Moss said that the same passenger drove back to Salt Lake City and boarded another plane at the airport.
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'Idaho's agreed to let us know of any suspect cases related to this individual so that we know what kind of concern we should have, and I haven't heard anything since they left Utah,' he said.
Moss said that the individual was vaccinated, though one of the vaccinations was not approved in the U.S. However, the Utah DHHS said it's important to keep in mind that a dose of any MMR vaccine 'significantly decreases the risk of this individual spreading measles.'
Individuals at risk of infection on the flight were contacted by the Salt Lake County department and connected to services to prevent infection.
The Utah DHHS statement said that state and local health officials are staying in touch with those individuals, and none have developed measles. The typical incubation period is around 1-3 weeks.
'Following this individual's time in Idaho, they returned to Utah to fly home and were cleared by public health to fly because they were past their infectious period,' the statement said.
Nancy Volmer, the spokesperson with the SLC International Airport, told ABC4 that the airport shared the approach it takes when it comes to communicable diseases, saying its first priority is passenger safety.
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'When SLC becomes aware of a passenger traveling through the airport with a communicable disease or infection, we immediately notify the county and/or state health departments to make them aware of the situation and to follow their recommended protocols,' Volmer said. 'In addition, SLC informs the air carrier and others involved and work together to contain the impacted area, when possible. The airport also collects information about passengers who may have been impacted and shares this with the health department for future communication.'
She said if a passenger is aware that they have a communicable disease or infection, they should contact their airline to understand possible travel restrictions. Passengers are also advised to practice healthy habits, such as washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and taking necessary precautions to protect themselves from illness.
The South Central Public Health District said it is currently investigating the situation. They have tracked the locations in Idaho that the individual visited during their trip, which are:
Monday, May 19 – EdgeWater Dining and Spirits at 530 Hampton Dr. between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Tuesday, May 20 – Urgent Care of Idaho – Burley Clinic at 382 Overland Ave. between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 pm.
Tuesday, May 20 – Intermountain Health Cassia Regional Hospital at 1501 Hiland Ave. between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
The hotel that the individual was staying at is using its internal communication systems to notify any guests who were staying at the hotel during that time. The SCPHD said that those who are susceptible to measles and were exposed could have developed symptoms between Saturday, May 24, and Saturday, June 14. The SCPHD and other health organizations are working to notify those who may have been exposed.
'We are focused on working with state and local health organizations in this ongoing investigation,' said Tanis Maxwell, SCPHD Family and Children's Health Director. 'Our priority is to keep the public informed and to support anyone who may have been exposed. If you are concerned about measles, it's important to take preventive steps and be aware of any symptoms.'
The CDC says that measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through coughing or sneezing. It can contaminate nine out of 10 unprotected people who come into proximity with an infected person.
The CDC reports that measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000, but there have been more cases in recent years. Utah has not had a reported case of measles since 2023.
According to the CDC, there are currently 1,088 confirmed measles cases in the United States reported by 33 jurisdictions, including states that neighbor Utah, such as Colorado and New Mexico. There have been three confirmed deaths from measles in the U.S. in 2025.
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services said that the most effective way to prevent the disease is the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. They report that two doses of the vaccine are 97% effective, and one dose is 93% effective.
'Though this incident presented a very limited risk to our community, it's important to highlight that due to the ongoing spread of measles cases throughout the United States, public health and medical providers recommend the MMR vaccine. It's incredibly effective and has been one of the most powerful tools for reducing the spread of measles for many years,' the Utah Department of Health and Human Services said.
The department said that with the spread of measles in North and South America, Utahns are encouraged to speak with a pharmacist or healthcare provider to verify their vaccination status prior to travel.
If you are unsure if you've been vaccinated or need a booster, the Utah Department of Health & Human Services has set up a website where Utahns can request immunization records.
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