Travelers passing through Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in D.C. are urged to exercise caution, as Virginia health officials raise concerns about potential measles exposure.
The Virginia Department of Health released a statement on Saturday, revealing awareness of a confirmed measles case involving an individual who recently traveled through Northern Virginia after returning from an overseas trip.
The potential exposure is linked to specific time frames: between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. local time on Jan. 3 at the international arrivals area of Dulles International Airport and between 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 4 at Terminal A in Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Health officials are actively identifying individuals who may have been exposed, including passengers on specific flights during these times.
Those at risk of developing measles are advised to monitor symptoms until January 25, 2024. Health officials emphasize immediate self-isolation if symptoms arise, urging affected individuals to stay home and contact healthcare providers promptly.
It is crucial to call ahead before visiting a healthcare provider to inform them of potential measles exposure and allow them to coordinate with the health department, ensuring the safety of other patients and staff.
Measles, highly contagious and primarily spread through respiratory droplets, can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person has been in an area. Individuals without prior measles exposure or vaccination are susceptible to infection.
Symptoms typically manifest within one to two weeks and include fever, cough, runny nose, rash, and red watery eyes or pinkeye.
This Virginia case is the latest in a series of potential measles outbreaks in the past month, with New Jersey and Philadelphia reporting confirmed cases. Delaware also faced potential exposure on Dec. 29, 2023, at Nemours Children’s Hospital.
Stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect against measles transmission.
