Alert: New Measles Exposure Risk in Northern Virginia – What Alexandria Health Department Wants You to Know

Recently, the Alexandria Health Department shared news about possible measles exposure in Northern Virginia. On June 19, a child with confirmed measles traveled through Washington Dulles International Airport while en route to North Carolina. The Virginia Department of Health alerted the public about this on June 25.

The child had contracted measles while traveling from a country experiencing recent outbreaks. Health officials are working to contact individuals who might have been exposed during the child’s travel.

The exposure happened at specific times and locations in Dulles Airport. Health officials urge anyone who was there during those times to pay attention to their health.

Measles is highly contagious and can spread easily through the air. Symptoms typically show up in two stages. First, individuals may experience a high fever, runny nose, red eyes, and cough. These symptoms usually appear about one to two weeks after exposure. After this, a rash starts on the face before spreading across the body. People are contagious four days before the rash appears and up to four days after it shows up.

This year, there have been several confirmed measles cases in Virginia, marking a notable increase. According to the CDC, measles cases in the U.S. dropped significantly due to widespread vaccination. However, recent years have seen a resurgence, primarily due to vaccine hesitancy. In 2022, there were 49 reported cases of measles in the U.S., compared to just 12 in 2021.

The Alexandria Health Department recommends certain actions:

• If you’ve had two doses of the measles vaccine or were born before 1957, you’re likely protected.
• If you haven’t received the vaccine, you might be at risk. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you think you were exposed.
• Monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days after exposure. If symptoms develop, stay home and reach out to your provider right away.
• Consult your healthcare provider if you have immunity issues.
• For those who received only one vaccine dose, consider getting vaccinated again for full protection.

For immunizations, residents can visit their healthcare providers or local pharmacies. More details about vaccines can be found on the [Virginia Department of Health’s](http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/Immunization) website.

It’s important to stay informed and take necessary precautions, especially as we see a rise in measles cases globally. The CDC emphasizes that the best way to combat measles is through vaccination. Regular check-ups and being up-to-date with vaccinations can prevent outbreaks.

For further insights into measles prevention and symptoms, visit the [CDC’s measles page](https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/photos.html).

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