For the second time this month, officials from the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) are warning about potential measles exposures in northern Virginia.
The warning comes after two Maryland residents who recently traveled internationally tested positive for the disease.
VDH says that it is looking into possible exposures at two major airports:
– Dulles International Airport on March 5: Concourse A, transportation to the International Arrivals Building, and baggage claim areas between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and again from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
– Ronald Reagan National Airport on March 14: Terminal Shuttle Bus between noon and 2:30 p.m.
The Washington Metro system was also affected. Potential exposure occurred on the Yellow Line train from Reagan National to L’Enfant Plaza, then transferring to the Silver Line toward Downtown Largo between 12:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. on March 14.
Health officials are working to identify and contact people who might have been exposed, including passengers on specific flights.
If you were born after 1957 and aren’t fully vaccinated against measles, keep an eye out for symptoms until April 7. Symptoms may include:
– Runny nose
– Fever above 101 degrees
– Cough
– Watery red eyes
– Rash
If you develop any of these symptoms, isolate yourself and get medical help right away.
VDH says in a press release that any additional exposure sites identified in Virginia will be posted to the VDH Measles website. Additional exposure sites have been identified in Maryland. Virginia has not had any reported cases of measles in 2025, according to VDH.
All people who may have been exposed should review the news release for recommended actions. Actions are summarized below:
- Exposed people who have had recommended doses of a measles-containing vaccine like the MMR vaccine or were born before 1957 do not need to take action.
Exposed people who are not fully vaccinated against measles and born after 1957 should watch out for symptoms for 21 days from the date of your potential exposure.Symptoms include a runny nose, fever above 101 degrees, cough, watery red eyes, and rash. If symptoms appear, the individual should isolate and seek care immediately.
- Those who may be immunocompromised should talk to a health care provider about specific recommendations.
If you have questions about potential exposure, call VDH at (804) 363-2704 or email epi_response@vdh.
