Possible Measles Outbreak at Washington DC Airports
Health officials in Washington, D.C. are warning travelers who have flown through the city’s airports since January 3 that they may have been exposed to measles. This comes as part of a larger trend of measles outbreaks across the country, many of which are linked to international travel.
The first case of measles in Georgia since 2020 was confirmed this week. The infected individual, who was unvaccinated, had traveled out of the country and was exposed to the highly contagious virus. Health officials are now working to identify anyone who may have come into contact with this person.
Similarly, health officials in Virginia and Washington, D.C. have also reported a confirmed case of measles involving a person who traveled through Dulles International Airport on January 3 and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 4. In Philadelphia, there have been nine confirmed cases of measles, prompting efforts to isolate the outbreak.
For those who have been vaccinated, there is no need to worry. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides protection against the virus. However, unvaccinated individuals are at serious risk of illness if they contract the disease.
Measles is highly contagious and can be spread through tiny aerosolized droplets in the air. It can remain in a room or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear a week or two after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a rash that starts at the hairline and spreads to the neck, trunk, arms, and legs.
The MMR vaccine is safe and effective and is administered in a two-dose series. The first dose is given just after a baby turns one year old, and the second dose is administered between ages 4 and 6. With the full regimen, immunity is about 98%. However, vaccination rates are declining in some areas. In Georgia, the measles vaccination rate among kindergarten students is 88%, while in Washington, D.C., it is 87.5%. Philadelphia has a higher vaccination rate, with about 93% of children vaccinated against measles.
In response to the recent measles cases, health officials are urging residents with symptoms to contact healthcare providers immediately. However, they caution against going to a doctor’s office, hospital, or public health clinic without first calling to alert staff about the possibility of measles. Providers who suspect a patient has measles should notify the state public health department right away.
The measles outbreaks serve as a reminder of the importance of vaccination. A CDC report from November found that the percentage of children with a vaccine exemption reached its highest rate ever in the 2022-23 school year. This puts approximately 250,000 kindergartners nationwide at risk of measles.
Health officials continue to emphasize that measles is a preventable disease if people get vaccinated. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, individuals can protect themselves and others from this highly contagious virus.
