A passenger with an active case of measles traveled through Salt Lake City International Airport multiple times before Memorial Day without prompting a health alert from Utah officials. The individual, who received some medical attention for the virus while in Idaho, was still allowed to board another flight in Salt Lake City.
According to Utah State epidemiologist Leisha Nolen, individuals with some level of vaccine protection are less infectious and tend to have milder infections. However, she believes the risk of transmission remains a concern.
The Summit County Board of Health initially expressed surprise over the passenger’s ability to continue traveling after receiving medical treatment for measles in Idaho. The board later claimed that the individual was placed on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Do Not Board” list, but Utah health officials disputed this, stating they were past their infectious period by the time of their departing flight.
State health officials chose not to issue a health advisory or warning due to what they deemed a low-risk situation. However, other states have reported cases linked to international flights, including three individuals testing positive for measles after traveling on a Turkish Airlines flight.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports over 1,000 measles cases in the US and three deaths. Experts emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated against measles, with just one dose providing 93% effective protection.
Source: https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/passenger-with-measles-traveled-in-out-of-salt-lake-city-intl-airport