OAN’s Elizabeth Volberding
12:10 PM – Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Health administrators in the United States capital are advising thousands about a potential measles risk after an individual with a “confirmed case” traveled through the Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
On January 3rd between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., the possible measles exposure happened in the international arrivals zone of the main terminal at Dulles International Airport, along with the next day between 2:40 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at Terminal A at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, according to the District of Columbia Department of Health.
“DC Health has been notified of a confirmed case of measles in a person who traveled through DC area airports when returning from international travel,” DC Health said in a statement. “While the threat of transmission is low, DC Health is notifying District residents who were at these locations about their possible exposure.”
According to the DC Health website, Measles, also known as rubeola, is a “highly contagious, viral respiratory illness that occurs most often in children. Symptoms can include a fever of 103°F–105°F, anorexia, fatigue, cough, conjunctivitis, bluish-gray spots in the mouth, followed by a telltale rash…”
Additionally, a few days prior, the Virginia Department of Health had sent out a similar warning.
Both airports see thousands of passengers arrive and depart on hundreds of flights every day.
“Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. These symptoms usually start 7 to 14 days after being exposed,” the Virginia Department of Health announced in a statement. “The second stage starts 3 to 5 days after symptoms start, when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from 4 days before the rash appears through 4 days after the rash appeared.”
Both the Virginia Department of Health and DC Health advised that anyone who was exposed or at the airport during those times may be at risk of getting measles and should take caution for potential symptoms until January 25th.
“If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home and away from others. Contact your healthcare provider right away,” both health agencies stated. “Call ahead before going to your health care 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. This will help protect other patients and staff.”
Stay informed! Receive breaking news blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts