Measles Case Confirmed in D.C. Traveler, Prompting Health Alert
Officials Warn Public of Potential Exposure Risks
A recent international traveler to Washington, D.C. has tested positive for measles, causing health officials to alert the public. The individual passed through Dulles International Airport, heightening the risk of exposure for those in the area. This situation necessitates a detailed investigation and widespread notifications.
Exposure Locations and Dates
The D.C. Health Department has pinpointed several locations and times where individuals may have encountered the infected person. People present in these areas during the specified periods should watch for symptoms.
- Dulles Airport, Concourse A, transportation to the International Arrivals Building, and baggage claim: June 8, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Silver Line train from Dulles Airport Station, transferring at Metro Center Station to the Red line toward Shady Grove: June 8, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Russian School of Mathematics, 8401 Connecticut Ave. in Chevy Chase, Maryland: June 8, 3 to 6 p.m.
- L8 Metrobus southbound to Friendship Heights: June 8, 5 to 7 p.m.
- H4 Metrobus Westbound to Tenleytown: June 12, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
- MedStar Health Pediatrics in Tenleytown, 4200 Wisconsin Ave. NW: June 12, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The health department has advised anyone who may have been exposed to monitor themselves for symptoms of measles.
Previous Cases and Contagion
This marks the second measles instance reported in the region recently. In May, authorities confirmed a case in Virginia, following an earlier one in April. Measles is known as a highly infectious respiratory illness.
“Measles is defined as “a highly contagious viral respiratory disease that spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes,””
— D.C. Health
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported almost 1,200 measles cases across the nation this year. The CDC is encouraging those who are traveling internationally to make sure they are completely vaccinated to protect against this disease.
How to Stay Informed
For further details on protecting yourself from the measles virus, the public can visit the city’s health department website.