The West Virginia Bureau for Public Health has issued an alert following a confirmed case of measles at Washington Dulles International Airport on March 5. The individual, who tested positive for measles, is a Maryland resident returning from international travel. Officials believe residents of West Virginia may have been exposed.
The potential exposure occurred at Dulles International Airport in Terminal A, during transportation to the main terminal and in the baggage claim area between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. on March 5.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear in two stages: initially presenting with a fever above 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and cough seven to 14 days post-exposure; followed by a rash that starts on the face and spreads three to five days after symptoms begin. Individuals are contagious from four days before until four days after the rash appears.
Health officials advise those present at the airport during the specified time who have not received a measles-containing vaccine (such as MMR) to contact their healthcare provider immediately if they notice symptoms by March 26. Those with an immunocompromising condition should consult their healthcare provider if they develop symptoms or have concerns.
Individuals born before 1957 or who have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine are considered protected and need not take further action. Those with only one dose are advised to consider getting a second dose for complete immunity.
For additional questions about potential exposure, West Virginia residents can contact the Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services at (304) 558-5358.
