DC Health, the government agency that monitors health risk in the nation's capital has alerted residents of a confirmed case of measles in an international business traveler that touched down in two of the area's airports. The alert says potential exposure occurred in the international arrivals area of the main terminal at Dulles International Airport between 4 and 8 p.m. on Jan. 3, then at terminal A at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Jan. 4 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.
"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," the agency 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."
"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. The incubation period of measles from exposure to the onset of symptoms ranges from 7–12 days."
The two airports take in hundreds of flights and thousands of passengers daily.
"The virus is transmitted when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The measles virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area."
The agency advised anyone who was exposed and is at risk of developing measles should be on alert for symptoms until Jan. 25.
The officials also clarified in their statement, "If you have received two doses of a measles vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action."
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