Stillwater Measles Patient Was A Passenger On Flight At Will Rogers Airport

The Oklahoma State Department of Health has added another location to the list of places possibly exposed to the patient with the measles. Health officials said the patient was a passenger on a United Airlines Flight from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Thursday, March 12 which arrived at Will Rogers World Airport (WRWA) at 9:30 p.m. and went to the United Airlines baggage claim area.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health said it is working directly with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and United Airlines to contact any passengers on the aircraft that have potentially been exposed.

Because the measles virus is spread by droplets in the air and can linger for a short time, the airport advised travelers and visitors that were in the terminal building on Thursday, March 12 from 9:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. that there was a potential for exposure. Even though the air in the terminal building is replaced with fresh air six to eight times per hour, it is important to exercise caution with this disease, officials told News 9.

Representatives of Will Rogers World Airport said they have reached out to all employers regarding any employees who were working at the time of the possible exposure. WRWA said it is also advising that employees, who have not been properly vaccinated or were born in 1957 or after, that they could be at risk. Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD) clinicians will give free Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations to impacted WRWA employees at the airport this Sunday at 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Experts said symptoms of measles commonly appear about seven to 14 days after a person is infected, but can be as long as 18 days. The initial exposure was March 12, so there is a potential for a person to show symptoms through March 30.

If a person was in the terminal from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on March 12 and is displaying symptoms of the measles, they should contact their doctor or the Oklahoma City-County Health Department before going to the office or clinic. They should advise the doctor that they have been exposed to the measles.

If you have questions or need to report a case of measles, you can contact the Oklahoma City-County Health Department at 405-425-4495.

Public health officials recommended all children receive two doses of MMR vaccine, with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and a booster at four to six years of age.

3/27/2015 Related Story: First Confirmed Measles Case In Oklahoma Since 1997

Oklahoma state law requires measles vaccine for all children attending childcare and school in Oklahoma, health department officials said. Adults born in 1957 or later who have not already been vaccinated should get at least two doses of MMR vaccine.

MMR vaccine is available by grant, private pay, or VFC at OCCHD Monday through Thursday 8 a.m to 4 p.m. or Friday 8 a.m. to noon. Clients wishing to receive the vaccine can go to our South clinic at 2149 S.W. 59th Street in Oklahoma City or the northeast clinic at 921 N.E. 23rd Street in Oklahoma City.

Learn more about OCCHD immunizations.