U.S. health officials fear measles outbreak in airports

U.S. health officials fear measles outbreak in airports

2011-02-28 11:38:31 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- Officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) are trying to contain a possible measles outbreak after a woman who was diagnosed with the disease traveled to three different U.S. airports during the week.

A 27-year-old woman, reportedly from Santa Fe, New Mexico, traveled from a European airport to Dulles International Airport in Virginia, the Denver International Airport, and to New Mexico's Albuquerque International Sunport. She was later diagnosed with the measles infection in New Mexico.

CDCP officials are trying to get in touch all the people who were possibly in contact with the woman, including airport personnel and airline crews.

Information regarding what airlines the woman boarded was not released.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system, and could be spread by simple coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, soar throat, with white spots possibly developing inside the mouth.

However, symptoms from the infection usually develop around 2 weeks after the individual is infected.

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