Health District reports confirmed measles case in visitor to Clark County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 21, 2025

LAS VEGAS — The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting a confirmed case of measles in a visitor to Clark County. The individual traveled from out of state, and potential exposures occurred on the morning of Monday, October 13 at Harry Reid International Airport. The individual spent time in Terminal 3 at the E Gates for a flight departing at approximately 8 a.m. and reported visiting no additional locations in Clark County outside of the airport.

Because measles is highly contagious, people who may have been in Terminal 3 and E Gates during that time, or who may have had contact with the individual while at the airport, should review their immunization status and contact their health care providers if they are not fully vaccinated against measles or have not previously had the disease.

The measles virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.

Measles symptoms can develop within seven to 21 days after exposure. Anyone who may have been exposed should monitor for symptoms and contact their health care provider if they develop a rash with fever or other symptoms consistent with measles. People experiencing symptoms should avoid contact with others and call ahead before visiting a health care facility to allow staff to take precautions and prevent further exposure.

Measles can be a potentially serious disease. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. The characteristic rash typically appears one to four days after the early symptoms begin. Measles can spread from about four days before the rash appears until four days after.

Complications can occur in otherwise healthy people, those at higher risk for complications include children younger than 5, adults older than 20, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

The measles (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective in preventing illness. Two doses of the vaccine provide approximately 97% protection against measles. Staying up to date on recommended vaccinations is the best way to protect individuals, families and the community from outbreaks of preventable diseases.

Although Clark County has not had a confirmed measles case in a resident since 2018, cases continue to be reported around the country. In April 2024, the Health district reported a measles exposure involving a visitor to the area, but no local cases were reported from that incident.

For more information about the vaccine, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov/measles. To make an appointment for vaccination at a Southern Nevada Health District clinic, visit www.snhd.info/immunizations.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.