A confirmed case of measles has emerged in a traveler who journeyed to Washington, D.C., aboard an Amtrak train, as reported by the D.C. Department of Health (DC Health). The individual, while contagious, visited several locations, including the southbound Amtrak Northeast Regional 175 Train and Union Station on March 19, as well as a MedStar Urgent Care facility in Adams Morgan on March 22.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, DC Health announced that they are actively working to inform individuals who may have been exposed at these locations. Health officials have emphasized that those who are not immune to measles are particularly at risk of infection. This group includes individuals who are unvaccinated or have never previously contracted the disease.
Amtrak confirmed the case of measles in a customer traveling on Train 175 from New York to Washington Union Station on March 19. In response, Amtrak is directly reaching out to passengers who were on this train to notify them of potential exposure. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has also acknowledged the confirmed case, stating they are in communication with the DC Department of Health regarding this matter.
As of now, the CDC has reported a total of 378 measles cases across at least 17 states, including Alaska, California, Florida, and New York, among others. Health officials believe this number may be an undercount, attributing it to reporting delays from various states to the federal health agency.
In light of this outbreak, health officials are strongly encouraging individuals who have never been vaccinated to receive the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. The CDC currently recommends two doses of the vaccine, with the first dose administered between 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose given between 4 and 6 years old. According to the CDC, one dose of the vaccine is 93% effective, while two doses increase effectiveness to 97%. Most vaccinated adults do not require a booster shot.
For further information and updates, individuals are encouraged to stay in contact with local health departments and to ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date.
