Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is advising residents about potential exposure to measles in northern Virginia.

Full details are available in a news release from the Maryland Department of Health titled, “One Case of Measles Confirmed in Maryland Resident with Recent International Travel.”  People may have been exposed to a person infected with measles if they were at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) between 6 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 27. The news release also highlights additional locations in Maryland where exposures may have occurred.

All people who may have been exposed should review the news release for recommended actions. Actions are summarized below:

• Exposed people who have had two doses of a measles-containing vaccine like the MMR vaccine or were born before 1957 do not need to take action.
• Those who may be immunocompromised should talk to a health care provider about specific recommendations. 
• Exposed people who are not fully vaccinated against measles and born after 1957 should watch out for symptoms until February 17, 2024. Symptoms include a runny nose, fever above 101 degrees, cough, watery red eyes, and rash. If symptoms appear, you should isolate and seek care immediately. Call ahead and let your provider know you think you may have measles.

For additional questions about the situation, contact the Alexandria Health Department at 703.746.4988.

More information about measles, symptoms, and vaccination is available on the Virginia Department of Health measles site.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.