Health authorities in the capital said on Tuesday that a “confirmed case” person may have been exposed to measles after passing through two of the region's busiest airports while returning from a trip abroad. I warned you.
According to DC Health, the potential exposure occurred in the international arrivals area of Dulles International Airport's main terminal from 4 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 3, and later in Terminal A of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The incident reportedly occurred from 2:30 to 6 a.m. the next day.30:30pm
“DC Health has been notified of a confirmed case of measles in a person who traveled through a D.C. area airport while returning from international travel,” the department said in a statement. “While the threat of infection is low, the D.C. Department of Health is notifying area residents who were in these locations of the potential for exposure.”
The Virginia Department of Health issued a similar warning several days ago.
Both airports receive hundreds of flights each day involving thousands of travelers.
“Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be easily spread through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Symptoms of measles usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people “These include a fever of 101 degrees or higher, a runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a cough. These symptoms typically begin 7 to 14 days after exposure,” the Virginia Department of Health said in a statement.
“The second stage begins three to five days after the onset of symptoms, when the rash begins to appear on the face and spread to other parts of the body.”
“Measles patients are contagious from four days before the onset of the rash to four days after the onset of the rash,” the report added.
It is unclear which airline the measles patient was on.
Both health organizations say people who have been exposed to measles and are at risk of developing measles should be on alert for symptoms until January 25.
“If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately stay home and isolate yourself away from others. Contact your health care provider immediately,” they added.
“Before you go to your health care provider's office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the health department. This will help protect other patients and staff.”
