Virginia health authorities have issued a measles alert to anybody who has recently been to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport or Dulles International Airport.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, January 13, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) said that it had received notification of a confirmed case of measles associated with an individual passing through Northern Virginia on their return from abroad. At the two airports, the agency noted the potential exposure sites, hours, and dates of measles.
Passengers passing through the Dulles Airport at the international arrivals area of the main terminal on January 3 between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM local time and at Ronald Reagan Airport between 2:30 PM and 6:30 PM local time at Terminal A on January 4 may have been exposed.
"Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights," the VDH further stated.
The Virus and Its Symptoms
The measles virus, which causes the illness, may be transmitted from person to person by the airborne droplets produced by a sneeze or cough, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Red eyes, a runny nose, coughing up mucus, and a high temperature are the first signs. In due course, a rash of small, red dots will appear all over the body, beginning on the scalp.
The virus may remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person's presence, the organization said. The rash often shows up three to five days after the first symptoms, which occur seven to 14 days after the virus is transmitted.
People who have never had the measles vaccine, as well as babies who are too young to get it, are in danger of contracting the disease, according to the VDH.
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What to Do if Suspected of Measles Exposure?
In a report by People, the Virginia health authorities warned that until January 25, anybody who might have been exposed to measles should be vigilant for any symptoms. They are advised to stay indoors and away from others as soon as they discover measles symptoms and make immediate contact with their healthcare practitioner. They added: "Call ahead before going to your healthcare provider's office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the health department."
The officials also noted that those who were born before 1957 or who had the measles vaccination twice are already protected and do not need any further measures.
In order to prevent measles, the CDC recommends two doses of the vaccine, which has a 97% success rate. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 56 million lives were saved between 2000 and 2021 because of the measles vaccination.
If you are a resident of Virginia and have concerns about potential measles exposure, you may contact the VDH at 804-864-8140.
