Health officials warn airport travelers about possible 'highly contagious' measles exposure

Health officials are warning airport travelers about a possible measles exposure that occurred early this month, WRC-TV reported Monday.

Officials with the Virginia Department of Health cautioned Saturday that a person with measles, who was returning to the United States from international travel, was at Dulles International Airport and Reagan Washington National Airport in early January.

On January 3, from 4 to 8 p.m. local time, the individual was in Dulles' main international arrivals terminal. The traveler was in Reagan Washington's terminal A on January 4, from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., according to the news outlet.

A press release from the VDH stated that the agency "was notified of a confirmed case of measles in a person who traveled through Northern Virginia when returning from international travel."

Individuals who were traveling through the two airports on those specified dates "may have been exposed," the VDH warned. The agency did not reveal which airline the person with measles was traveling.

"Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights," the agency noted. "Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes."

Seven to 14 days after exposure to measles, individuals will typically experience a fever greater than 101 degrees, a runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. Approximately three to five days after initial symptoms, those who have contracted the disease will break out in a rash on their face that spreads to other parts of the body.

"People with measles are contagious from 4 days before the rash appears through 4 days after the rash appeared," the VDH explained.

A DC Health statement said the "threat of transmission is low."

Those who believe they may have been exposed to measles and have not received a vaccination are urged to watch for symptoms.

"If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home and away from others. Contact your healthcare provider right away. Call ahead before going to your healthcare 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," DC Health stated.

Anything else?

In an unrelated outbreak, Philadelphia officials confirmed a ninth case of measles Tuesday. The outbreak reportedly started at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia last month before spreading to a day-care center, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!