DC Health Issues Urgent Alert: Measles-Carrying Passenger Spotted at Dulles and Using Metro

The D.C. Department of Health has reported a confirmed case of measles in an international traveler arriving in the area. The individual may have exposed others to the virus between June 8 and June 12. The health department is reaching out to those who might have been in contact with the patient.

Here are the specific locations and times where potential exposure occurred:

• Dulles International Airport (IAD) — June 8, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Concourse A and baggage claim area.
• Metro — June 8, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Silver Line from Dulles to Metro Center, then transfer to the Red Line toward Shady Grove.
• The Russian School of Mathematics — June 8, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.: 8401 Connecticut Ave, Chevy Chase, Maryland.
• Metrobus — June 8, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.: L8 route southbound to Friendship Heights.
• Metrobus — June 12, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.: H4 route westbound to Tenleytown.
• Medstar Health Pediatrics — June 12, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: 4200 Wisconsin Ave NW.

Measles is notably contagious. It can spread easily through the air when someone infected breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that about 90% of people who are not immune and are exposed will contract the virus.

Symptoms generally develop in two stages. In the first stage, occurring 7 to 14 days after exposure, expect fever over 101°F, a runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a cough. The second stage, which occurs 3 to 5 days after the first, features a distinctive rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.

If you think you might have been exposed and are not immune, it’s best to reach out to your healthcare provider or call D.C. Health at 844-493-2652 for guidance.

In recent trends, there has been a noticeable resurgence in measles cases across the U.S., largely due to waning vaccine coverage. According to the CDC, measles vaccination rates dipped during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to concerns among public health officials. Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is crucial for everyone, especially in light of these outbreaks.

As a reminder, protecting yourself and your community starts with awareness and prevention. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles and limit its spread.

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