WASHINGTON, DC — DC Health has been notified of a confirmed case of measles in a person who traveled through DC area airports when returning from international travel. While the threat of transmission is low, DC Health is notifying District residents who were at these locations about their possible exposure. Listed below are the dates, times and locations where the potential exposure occurred:
- Washington Dulles International Airport International Terminal
- January 27th 6:00 am–9:30 am
- Claridge House at 2445 Lyttonsville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910
- January 27th 7:30 am–10:00 am
- January 27th 6:00 pm–January 28th 1:00 am
- January 29th 7:00 am–10:00 am
- Suburban Hospital Emergency Department
- January 27th 7:00 pm–11:00 pm
Measles symptoms:
Measles are a highly contagious, acute viral respiratory illness that often affects children. Patients are contagious from 4 days before the rash appears through 4 days after the rash appears. The virus is transmitted largely by respiratory droplets or by airborne droplets in enclosed spaces when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Early symptoms consist of a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or more, a runny nose, coughing and red watery eyes.
If you believe you were at one of these locations at the time of the potential exposure, DC Health recommends:
- If you have never received a measles containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles only vaccine, which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who was exposed and is at risk of developing measles should monitor for symptoms for 21 days.
- If you notice the symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home and away from others. Contact your healthcare provider right away. Call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the health department. This will help protect other patients and staff.
- If you have received two doses of a measles containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.
- If you have an immunocompromising condition, please consult with your healthcare provider if you have questions or develop symptoms.
- If you have received only one dose of a measles containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected, and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve complete immunity, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.
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The District of Columbia Department of Health promotes health, wellness and equity, across the District, and protects the safety of residents, visitors and those doing business in our nation’s capital.