People who were at Rapid City Regional Airport on December 10, 2025, between 10:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Mountain Time may have been exposed to measles, according to a notice from the South Dakota Department of Health. The department advises those present during this time to monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days following the exposure date, from December 17 to December 31.
Individuals who are not immune to measles should contact their healthcare provider about protective measures such as vaccination or immune globulin, depending on eligibility and timing.
Measles symptoms typically appear in two stages. The first stage includes runny nose, cough, slight fever, and eye sensitivity to light with a rising fever. The second stage occurs between the third and seventh day of symptoms and involves a high temperature (103-105°F) and a red blotchy rash that begins on the face before spreading down the body.
Dr. Joshua Clayton, state epidemiologist, stated: “We are sharing this information to help individuals who may have been exposed take steps to protect their health. Any South Dakotan who lack immunity from vaccination or past infection can get the MMR vaccine to prevent measles infection and its complications.”
The department notes that people considered immune include those born before 1957; those who received one dose of MMR vaccine as an adult or child aged 12 months through pre-school; those with two doses as school-aged children or adults at higher risk; individuals with lab-confirmed presence of measles antibodies; or previous lab-confirmed measles infection.
The MMR vaccine is usually administered at ages 12-15 months with a second dose at ages 4-6 years. Two doses generally provide lifelong immunity. For international travel, children can receive the vaccine starting at six months old.
More information about measles is available on the South Dakota Department of Health website.
At the core of its mission, the Department of Health aims "to protect and improve the health of all South Dakotans." The department works toward promoting wellness, preventing disease, and ensuring access to quality healthcare across South Dakota.
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