Health officials in D.C. are alerting the public to potential exposure to measles at Dulles International Airport and several Metrorail lines between April 23 and April 27.
Two cases have been confirmed in the D.C. area. On Thursday, the District’s Department of Health reported a case of measles within the city. Additionally, the Virginia Department of Health confirmed that a case passed through Dulles International Airport on April 23 and 24.
According to a recent announcement from VDH, the infected individual had traveled internationally and is not a resident of Virginia.
Here are the details regarding possible exposure locations in Virginia and D.C. as provided by D.C. Health and VDH:
- Concourse B, the Aerotrain, and the Baggage Claim Area at Dulles International Airport on April 23 and 24
- M60 Metrobus heading north to Takoma Langley Crossroads Transit Center from April 24 to April 27
- M60 Metrobus heading south toward Fort Totten station from April 24 to April 27
- Metrorail Green Line from Fort Totten to L’Enfant Plaza and Blue Line toward Downtown Largo on April 25 from 9 a.m. to noon
- Metrorail Green Line from Fort Totten to L’Enfant Plaza, transferring to the Orange Line toward New Carrollton on April 26 from 7:50 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.
- Orange Line from Minnesota Avenue transferring from L’Enfant Plaza to the Green Line toward Greenbelt on the evenings of April 25 and 26
- Red Line Metrorail from Fort Totten toward Shady Grove on April 27 from 5 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Individuals who were present in those areas during the mentioned times are advised to watch for symptoms for the next 21 days and ensure they are up to date on vaccinations. Early signs may include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, eventually followed by a rash.
VDH officials are actively working to identify others who may have been at risk, including those on specific flights.
Importantly, D.C. Health noted that the measles virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.
Vaccination is emphasized as a key measure in preventing the spread of the disease. It’s recommended that children between 12 months and 4 years receive two doses of the vaccine.
According to D.C. Health, measles is highly contagious—about 90% of unvaccinated individuals near an infected person will likely contract it.
Previously, three cases of measles were confirmed in February among travelers in the D.C. area.
Anyone who suspects possible exposure should reach out to their healthcare provider or contact D.C. Health at 844-493-2652 for further guidance.
Measles outbreaks are rising across the country. Through April this year, over 1,814 cases have been confirmed, based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In total, around 2,300 cases were reported in 2025.
