RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) — The Virginia Department of Health was notified of a confirmed case of measles at Washington Dulles International Airport on Wednesday.
The confirmed case involved an individual returning from an international trip. Health officials are coordinating efforts to identify those who might have been exposed.
According to the VDH, the exposure happened in Terminal A on the transportation to the main terminal and in the baggage claim area between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Measles is described by the VDH as 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, people experience a fever greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. These symptoms typically start seven to 14 days after being exposed.
The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms start when a rash begins to appear on the face and spread to the rest of the body.
According to the VDH, people with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.
Additionally, the VDH provided recommendations for those who were at the above location at the specified date and time:
- If you have not received a vaccine containing measles you may be at risk for developing measles
- Anyone exposed or considered to be at risk should contact their health provider
- Watch your symptoms until March 26 and if you develop symptoms immediately isolate yourself at home
- Contact your health provider right away and call the office prior to going to the office or emergency room to notify them that you have been exposed to measles
- Anyone with an immunocompromised condition should should consult with their healthcare provider if they have any questions or develop any symptoms
- If you have received two doses of a vaccine containing measles or were born before 1957 you are protected and do not need to take action
- If you have received only one dose of a vaccine containing measles you are likely to be protected and your risk from exposure is low
- To achieve full immunity contact your healthcare provider about getting a second dose of the vaccine
If you have any questions about potential exposure, contact your healthcare provider or call VDH at (804) 363-2704.