BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — The West Virginia Bureau of Public Health has reported a confirmed case of measles linked to Washington Dulles International Airport. The individual, a Maryland resident, recently returned from international travel, raising concerns that others in West Virginia may have been exposed.
The exposure occurred in Terminal A of the airport between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. on March 5. If you were at this location during that time and haven’t had a measles vaccination, officials warn you might be at risk.
Measles is extremely contagious. It can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The symptoms typically emerge in two phases. The first phase might include a high fever above 101°F, a runny nose, red watery eyes, and a cough, usually starting about a week to two weeks post-exposure.
The second phase kicks in about three to five days later, as a rash appears, often beginning on the face and spreading elsewhere. An infected person can spread the virus four days before the rash shows up and up to four days afterward.
If you think you might have been exposed, contact your healthcare provider right away. Health officials recommend monitoring for symptoms until March 26. Should you notice any symptoms, stay home and call your provider before visiting, to inform them of potential exposure.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were over 1,200 reported measles cases in the U.S. in 2021, highlighting the importance of vaccinations. With the ongoing global travel, vigilance is key in protecting public health.
For more information or if you have concerns about potential exposure, reach out to the West Virginia Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services at 304-558-5358.
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