Health officials in Virginia are advising travelers who visited Dulles and Reagan Airports during specific time periods that they may have been exposed to the highly contagious measles virus. The warning came after an international traveler, who recently arrived in the United States, was found to have measles.
According to the Virginia Department of Health, the potential exposure took place at the international arrivals area of Dulles Airport between 4 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3rd. The following day, the infected individual visited Terminal A at Reagan Airport from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. These time frames were identified as critical due to the potential for the virus to remain suspended in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can survive for a prolonged period in the environment, making it important for individuals who were present at the specified locations and times to remain vigilant for symptoms.
Health officials are urging those who visited the airports during the identified periods to monitor themselves for symptoms of measles. Early symptoms may include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A few days after these initial symptoms, a rash typically appears, starting on the face and gradually spreading to the rest of the body.
The Virginia Department of Health has advised individuals who believe they may have been exposed to measles to contact their healthcare provider or local health department for guidance. It is crucial to inform healthcare professionals about potential exposure to ensure appropriate precautions are taken to prevent further transmission of the virus.
In order to protect others, it is important for those who suspect they may have contracted measles not to visit healthcare facilities or public places without notifying the necessary authorities beforehand. This will enable healthcare providers to make necessary arrangements for their evaluation and prevent the spread of the virus to others, particularly those who may be particularly vulnerable to complications from measles, such as young children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Health officials have also emphasized the importance of vaccination as the most effective way to prevent measles. They urge individuals who have not been vaccinated or are unsure of their vaccination status to contact their healthcare providers and get immunized, as vaccination provides protection against this highly contagious disease.
The Virginia Department of Health has stated that individuals who were present at Dulles and Reagan Airports during the specified times should remain vigilant for symptoms until January 25th, which marks the end of the typical incubation period for measles. By providing this information and encouraging proactive measures, health officials aim to contain the spread of the virus and ensure the health and safety of all residents and visitors to Virginia.
