The Alexandria Health Department is advising residents of a potential measles exposure, marking the ninth in the Northern Virginia region.
The confirmed case involves an out-of-state resident who traveled internationally and was at Dulles International Airport, according to the Virginia Department of Health. Health officials are working to identify people who may have been exposed and are contacting those on specific flights.
Possible exposure sites include:
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Dulles International Airport (IAD): Concourse C, on transportation to the International Arrivals Building (IAB), and in the baggage claim area between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 17.
VDH says people should watch for measles symptoms for 21 days after potential exposure. The most likely time for symptoms to appear is between June 24 and July 8. Health officials encourage those with symptoms to isolate at home and call ahead before going to a healthcare provider’s office or emergency room.
Those who have received two doses of the measles vaccine, were born before 1957, or have had measles before are protected from exposure, according to health officials. People who are severely immunocompromised should contact their doctor or local health department.
Anyone who may have been exposed at Dulles International Airport is asked to fill out a VDH survey, and health officials will follow up with guidance.
According to VDH, there have been 129 measles cases in the state this year. Most — 107 — are concentrated in the central region where an outbreak has been confirmed. There have been nine cases in the northern region in 2026, none of which have been in Alexandria.
Alexandrians may direct questions about measles exposures to the Alexandria Health Department during business hours at 703-746-4988.
The Alexandria Health Department recommended the following guidance for measles exposures:
- Report Your Exposure as soon as possible. All people who were present at the places/times above should fill out this short survey for the Virginia Department of Health.
- Health officials will contact you if you need to take more steps or can receive time-sensitive treatment.
- Check Your Vaccination Status: Make sure you’ve had your recommended measles (MMR) shots. Tips for checking your status are written below.
- If you’ve had two doses of measles vaccine, were born before 1957, or have had measles, then you’re considered protected and won’t need to take extra steps.
- If you are severely immunocompromised, please talk to your doctor for specific advice or contact your local health department (details below).
- Over the next few weeks:
- Watch out for symptoms for 21 days after you may have been exposed. If you get symptoms, stay away from others and call the doctor right away. Symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Fever over 101°F
- Cough
- Red, watery eyes
- Rash
