CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Some West Virginians might have been exposed to measles after a person from Maryland, who had the virus, traveled through Washington Dulles International Airport on March 5. The exposure likely happened in terminal A, specifically during transport to the main terminal and in the baggage claim area between 4 and 9 p.m.
Health officials advise anyone who was in those areas to monitor for symptoms until March 26. Initially, symptoms include a fever above 101 degrees, along with a runny nose, cough, and watery eyes. These can appear 7 to 14 days after exposure. A rash may follow, showing up three to five days after the initial symptoms.
Dr. Steven Eshenaur, the Kanawha County Health Officer, emphasizes how contagious measles is. “In a room of ten people, nine could catch it easily,” he explains. The virus remains in the air for hours, even after an infected person leaves.
West Virginia has high vaccination rates, which is crucial for preventing outbreaks. “The only way to keep measles at bay is through immunization,” Dr. Eshenaur warns. He urges people not to rely on myths like treating measles with vitamin A, as these methods have no proven effect.
Experts have noted that if immunization laws become less strict, West Virginia could face an increased risk of measles outbreaks, similar to problems seen in neighboring states. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to serious complications from the virus.
“For pregnant women, measles can lead to severe consequences for the unborn child,” Dr. Eshenaur adds. Protecting against measles is vital, and relying on ineffective remedies won’t help.
Recent data from the CDC highlights a concerning trend: measles cases are rising across the U.S. in areas with lower vaccination rates. This underscores the importance of maintaining high immunization levels to keep communities safe.
Measles is not just a childhood illness; it’s a reminder of the importance of vaccines for public health. Staying informed and vaccinated is key to preventing the spread of infectious diseases like measles.
For more information on measles and vaccination, you can visit the CDC’s official page.
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