State health officials have been alerted to a confirmed case of measles in a recent traveler at Dulles International Airport.
A Maryland resident returning to the D.C. area earlier this month may have exposed other travelers to the highly contagious, airborne illness, local health departments said over the weekend.
The individual, who passed through the airport between 4 and 9 p.m. on March 5, spent time in Terminal A and at the baggage claim, as well as on airport transportation to the main terminal, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
“Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights,” the VDH said.
The individual was returning from a trip abroad, though it is unknown from where specifically. No information regarding the flight the individual was on, or the airline the individual was traveling with, has been disclosed.
Measles are caused by a virus that is released when an infected person breathes or coughs. Though it’s described as a “rare” disease in the U.S. by the VDH, an outbreak in Texas that emerged in late February has now resulted in more than 200 reported cases as well as the deaths of a 6-year-old and possibly an unvaccinated adult.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health alert on Friday (March 7) sharing guidance for health professionals and travelers in response to the Texas outbreak, noting that the risk of widespread infection remains low.
More than 90% of the U.S. population is vaccinated against the illness, with two doses distributed in early childhood providing lifetime protection, the VDH said.
Symptoms of the illness include a fever, as well as a rash that starts at the hairline before spreading to other parts of the body. A cough, runny nose or itchy eyes are also possible.
Measles symptoms usually begin between one to two weeks after exposure. Anybody believed to have been exposed to the confirmed case at Dulles Airport should monitor for symptoms until March 26, the VDH said.
Virginia residents with questions about a potential exposure can contact the health department via phone at (804) 363-2704 or via email at epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov.
An estimated 800,000 passengers traveled internationally through the airport in March of last year, according to data from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
