PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The measles outbreak that now has 70 confirmed cases in Clark County took a twist last week with the announcement an infected traveler from Illinois landed at PDX and spent time in popular Marion County spots.

The unvaccinated traveler was at PDX on February 22, specifically at the Southwest Airlines check-in area and in Concourse C. The Associated Press reported travelers passing through Chicago’s Midway International Airport last week may have been exposed to measles.

All the passengers on that flight were notified of their exposure. But what about the passengers on that plane on succeeding flights?

A spokesperson for Southwest Airlines told KOIN 6 News their planes undergo a rigorous cleaning process.

In their statement, Southwest Airlines said:

“Our aircraft undergo regular cleanings in between flights and a comprehensive cleaning when aircraft are parked overnight. Our cleaning program includes the sanitizing of food surfaces and all hard surfaces within the cabin, as well as seat and carpet cleaning. Additionally, our 737 aircraft feature state-of-the-art cabin air control systems which injects fresh air into the cabin during flight while also filtering airborne particles.

Finally, once notified of a confirmed measles outbreak, Southwest Airlines works closely with the CDC to respond, and follows all CDC recommendations regarding illness response and notification to Customers and Crews.”
Dr. Paul Cieslak with the Oregon Health Authority, March 4, 2019 (KOIN)

Dr. Paul Cieslak with the Oregon Health Authority said measles is an airborne disease, but passengers on a succeeding flight really needn’t worry.

“On airplanes the air is circulated much more than the average room so we are pretty confident that with the entire exiting of the people from the plane with the air exchanges going on, by the time a new group got on it’s  no longer going to be a threat,” Cieslak said.

Overwhelmingly, experts said more passengers are exposed to illnesses by touching things — like the air nozzle above your seat — than any other way. So, wash your hands a lot.

Since the outbreak began January 1, 206 measles cases have shown up in 11 states — with one-third in Clark County alone.

Measles information: 

Measles is a highly contagious virus spread through the air. It can linger in a room up to two hours after someone with the virus has been there and you can catch it even before the sick person develops a rash. 

The virus starts with a fever and can also cause a runny nose, cough, red eyes, ear infection, diarrhea and a rash of tiny red spots starting at the head and then spreading. It is especially dangerous for babies and young children. 

The CDC said almost everyone who has not been vaccinated will get the virus if they are exposed.

CDC measles information

A map of 11 states reporting measles cases as of March 4, 2019 (Info from CDC)