Measles Alert in Maryland: Dulles Airport Travelers at Risk

measles in a Howard County, Maryland resident raised significant public health concerns, particularly for travelers at Washington Dulles International Airport. This individual had recently traveled internationally and was present at the airport's Terminal A between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. on March 5th. The Maryland Department of Health has identified these timeframes as critical for potential exposure to this highly contagious virus, which poses a serious risk to unvaccinated individuals.

Dulles International Airport last week.

The confirmed case was an individual who was returning from international travel.

Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights, the VDH said in a news release Sunday.

Anyone who visited the following locations during the following hours may have been exposed:

Washington Dulles International Airport: The international arrivals area March 5th: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Pediatric Emergency Department March 7th: 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Virginia Department Health at (804) 363-2704 or email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov.

Officials say the measles case is not associated with the measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies measles as exceptionally contagious, with a secondary attack rate of approximately 90% among susceptible populations . Symptoms typically manifest within seven to fourteen days following exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis . Health officials have urged those who might have been exposed to contact healthcare providers promptly and monitor for symptoms diligently.

This incident highlights the importance of vaccinations in preventing outbreaks of diseases such as measles. The MMR vaccine is known to be highly effective; two doses confer about 97% immunity against the virus . As public health authorities work to mitigate the risk associated with this case, it serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in vaccination efforts and adherence to health guidelines during international travel.

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Sarah H

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