Health officials are urging travelers who recently traveled from two Washington, D.C., airports to proceed with caution because they may have been exposed to the virus. measles.
The Virginia Department of Health news release On Saturday, officials announced they were aware of a confirmed case of measles who had recently traveled to Northern Virginia after returning from international travel.
The potential infection occurred in the international arrivals area of the main terminal at Dulles International Airport from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The agency made the announcement on the afternoon of January 4th.
Health officials are working to identify those who may have been infected, including passengers on specific flights, officials said.
“People who have been exposed to measles and are at risk of developing measles should remain vigilant for symptoms until January 25, 2024,” health authorities warned. “If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately stay home and isolate yourself away from others.”
“Call your health care provider right away. Before going to your health care provider’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them you may have been exposed to measles and call the health department. Please ask them to do so. This will help prevent the spread of infection,” the official said. Other patients and staff too. ”
Measles is highly contagious and spread primarily through respiratory droplets from an infected person. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains. The virus can be airborne for up to two hours after a measles patient enters an area. People who have not yet had measles or have not been vaccinated can still be infected.
symptoms Symptoms usually appear within 1 to 2 weeks after infection and include fever, cough, runny nose, rash, and red, watery or dilated eyes.
The Virginia case is the latest possible measles outbreak in the last month.
New Jersey health officials announced this weekend that Confirmed Camden County resident There was a case of measles He said contact tracing is underway to determine the source of the infection.
CBS News Philadelphia Health officials reported on a measles outbreak in Philadelphia, resulting in 8 people infected so far.
On December 29, 2023, approximately 20-30 people can be infected with measles The patient was admitted to Nemours Children’s Hospital in Delaware after coming into contact with someone who was “asymptomatic but infectious at the time of his visit to the facility,” according to the Delaware Department of Health.
