The Alexandria Health Department is warning residents of the potential for a measles outbreak, after another traveler with the viral infection was reported at Washington Dulles International Airport last month.
The Virginia Department of Health reported the potential exposure at Dulles and at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Jan. 3 and Jan. 4, and a notice was released by the Maryland Department of Health of another exposure at Dulles airport on Jan. 27.
“People may have been exposed to a person infected with measles if they were at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) between 6 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 27,” AHD said in a release.
Additionally, anyone who was in the following areas could have been exposed:
- Washington Dulles International Airport International Terminal, Jan. 27 from 6 to 9:30 a.m.
- Claridge House at 2445 Lyttonsville Rd, Silver Spring, Maryland, Jan. 27 from 7:30 to 10 a.m.; on Jan. 27 from 6 p.m. to Jan. 28 at 1 a.m.; and from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Suburban Hospital Emergency Department (8600 Old Georgetown Road), on Jan. 27 from 7 to 11 p.m.
According to AHD:
- Exposed people who have had two doses of a measles-containing vaccine like the MMR vaccine or were born before 1957 do not need to take action.
- Those who may be immunocompromised should talk to a health care provider about specific recommendations.
- Exposed people who are not fully vaccinated against measles and born after 1957 should watch out for symptoms until February 17, 2024. Symptoms include a runny nose, fever above 101 degrees, cough, watery red eyes, and rash. If symptoms appear, you should isolate and seek care immediately. Call ahead and let your provider know you think you may have measles.