Health officials are raising alarms about recent measles cases among individuals who spent time in D.C. and Virginia, particularly at Reagan National Airport and during the March for Life.
According to health departments in both areas, anyone who was near these infected individuals might have been exposed to the virus. They’re urging people to check their vaccination records and remain vigilant for symptoms over the next couple of weeks.
Authorities from D.C. reported that three visitors traveled through the area with measles. They highlighted several potential exposure locations, including Metro trains, a medical center, Catholic University, and Union Station.
Virginia health officials have also noted two of those D.C. cases in their records.
In the most recent Virginia case, a child infected with measles took a Metro train from Reagan Airport and subsequently visited a health facility in Haymarket.
Last week, Virginia confirmed its sixth reported measles case for the year. This case involves a preschool-aged child who visited areas in Northern Virginia, and most cases in Virginia have been among children under five.
Measles has been spreading rapidly in parts of the U.S., with South Carolina confirming 920 cases since an outbreak began in the fall. Just last week, 44 new cases emerged there.
Potential exposure sites in D.C. include:
- Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on January 21, between 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- National March for Life Rally and Concert on January 23, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Catholic University’s Garvey Hall on January 24, from noon to 3 p.m.
- Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center at Catholic University on January 24, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center at Catholic University on January 25, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- St. Vincent de Paul Chapel at Catholic University on January 25, from 9 p.m. to midnight.
- Metro Red Line Train between Brookland-CUA and Gallery Place-Chinatown on January 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Reagan National Airport on January 26, between 12:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
- Yellow Line Train from Reagan National on January 26, from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Metro Red Line Train on January 27 towards Shady Grove from 1:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Amtrak Concourse, Union Station on January 27, from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 176 from Washington Union Station on January 27, from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Children’s National Medical Center Emergency Department on February 2, from 11:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
In Virginia, potential exposure sites include:
- Heathcote Health Center in Haymarket on January 29, from 1:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Reagan National Airport, Terminal 2 on January 26, between 12:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
- Yellow Line train from Reagan National on January 26, from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Symptoms to Watch For
Health officials indicate that individuals are usually protected against measles if they’ve received two doses of the vaccine or were born before 1957. Virginians can verify their vaccination records with a healthcare provider or via an online portal.
If you suspect you may have been exposed to measles in Virginia, it’s recommended to fill out a designated survey. Health officials will guide you on next steps if needed.
In D.C., individuals can reach out at 844-493-2652 for guidance post-exposure.
Symptoms might develop up to 21 days following exposure. If you’ve been exposed and experience symptoms, it’s crucial to isolate and contact your healthcare provider.
Typically, the initial symptoms of measles include a runny nose, watery eyes, cough, and fever exceeding 101 degrees. These symptoms generally appear about one to two weeks after exposure, and the rash commonly surfaces three to five days after the initial symptoms.
