Mobile County travelers notified following measles exposure on international flight 09.17.26

September 17, 2026

Mobile County travelers notified following measles exposure on international flight

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department has been notified by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that several Mobile County residents may have been exposed to measles while traveling on an international flight.

The exposure did not occur in Mobile County. It occurred during international air travel, when the travelers were on a flight with a person later identified as having measles.

Public health staff promptly contacted the Mobile County travelers identified through the notification process. Fortunately, all travelers had documented evidence of prior measles vaccination. Their vaccination status substantially reduces the likelihood that they will develop measles or spread the illness to others.

At this time, there is no known local transmission, and the general public is not being asked to take any additional action related to this travel-related exposure.

“International travel can occasionally introduce infectious diseases into communities, which is why vaccination before travel is so important,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Mobile County Health Officer. “We are grateful that the Mobile County residents identified in this investigation had documentation showing they were protected against measles. Their vaccination not only protects them but also helps protect vulnerable members of our community.”

Measles remains a national concern

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.

As of September 3, 2026, the CDC reported 3,134 confirmed measles cases in the United States this year. CDC also reported 38 outbreaks in 2026, with 95 percent of confirmed cases associated with outbreaks. Many U.S. cases are linked to international travel, making vaccination essential for people traveling outside the country.

Measles symptoms commonly include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a rash that usually begins on the face and spreads downward across the body. Serious complications can include pneumonia, brain swelling, hospitalization, and, in rare cases, death. Infants, pregnant people, adults, and people with weakened immune systems may be at increased risk for severe illness.

How residents can prevent measles

Vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent measles. Two doses of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles, while one dose is about 93 percent effective among people vaccinated at age 12 months or older.

Residents can help protect themselves, their families, and the community by:

• Checking personal and family vaccination records to ensure MMR vaccinations are up to date.
• Ensuring children receive the recommended two-dose MMR series: the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.
• Consulting a healthcare provider before international travel. CDC recommends that most travelers ages 12 months and older have two documented MMR doses before international travel.
• Ensuring infants ages 6 through 11 months receive one MMR vaccine dose before international travel, followed by the routine two-dose series after their first birthday.
• Call ahead before visiting a healthcare provider, urgent-care clinic, or emergency department if fever and rash develop after international travel or possible measles exposure. Calling first helps healthcare facilities protect other patients and staff from possible exposure.
• Stay home and avoid close contact with others when experiencing symptoms consistent with measles until further guidance is received from a healthcare provider or public health official.

The Mobile County Health Department will continue coordinating with ADPH and CDC and will provide additional information if circumstances change. For more information about measles vaccination and international travel, visit CDC’s Measles Cases and Outbreaks page or contact the Mobile County Health Department.