Health administrators issue measles risk warning at Dulles, Ronald Reagan airports
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.”
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How can individuals protect themselves and prevent the spread of measles through vaccination
Althcare provider to discuss your symptoms and potential exposure,” DC Health stated. “It’s crucial to call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility to prevent the possible spread of measles to others in the waiting room.”
Measles is a preventable disease through vaccination. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for children and adults who are not immune to the disease. The vaccine is highly effective and provides long-term protection against measles.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles outbreaks can occur when unvaccinated individuals contract the virus while traveling internationally and then spread it to others who are not vaccinated. This highlights the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates and ensuring that international travelers are properly vaccinated before their trips.
Measles can have serious complications, especially in young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. These complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and even death. By getting vaccinated, individuals protect not only themselves but also those who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical reasons.
Health officials in the DC area are closely monitoring the situation and working to contain any potential spread of the virus. They are urging residents, especially those who may have been exposed, to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent the further transmission of the disease.
As the measles case at the DC airports demonstrates, infectious diseases can easily spread through travel and crowded settings. It serves as a reminder of the importance of public health measures, such as vaccination, to protect individuals and communities from preventable diseases.
For more information about measles, its symptoms, and vaccination recommendations, individuals can visit the websites of the CDC, DC Health, and the Virginia Department of Health.
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