Measles alert issued for travelers

ORLANDO, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - Orlando International Airport is one of the main gateways for visitors to come to central Florida. Orange County health officials say it's critical for visitors and locals alike to make sure they're vaccinated against measles.  

“Especially as an adult getting measles, that's pretty serious, you know?” said traveler Lynette Lewis.

“Measles is nothing to fool with anymore,” added traveler Kathy Mosbusch.

Health officials sent out an alert to make sure Orange County doesn't become home of the next measles outbreak.

“Because of all the international visitors we have that come to central Florida, it's certainly wise to be vaccinated,” said Kent Donahue, spokesman for the Orange County Health Department.

According to the Florida Department of Health, there is only on confirmed case of measles reported in the state but that one person exposed 138 others.

“If an individual with measles coughs or sneezes, the germs can be active in the air up to two hours,” Donahue said.

Health officials say so far, the one case of measles identified in the state has been in South Florida.