An international traveler arrived at Dulles International Airport on June 8 and has since been identified as a potential source of measles exposure. According to a statement from health officials, the individual was present in Concourse A and the baggage claim area between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on that day.
After arriving at Dulles Airport, the traveler utilized Metro’s Silver Line, transferring at the Metro Center station to board the Red Line, which heads toward the Shady Grove stop. This journey took place between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Following their transit, the individual visited several locations, including the Russian School of Mathematics located in the 8400 block of Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase, Maryland, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The traveler continued their journey by taking the L8 Metro bus south to Friendship Heights between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Furthermore, on June 12, the individual boarded a westbound H4 Metro bus to Tenleytown between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. They then visited the MedStar Health pediatrics office situated in the 4200 block of Wisconsin Avenue NW in the Tenleytown neighborhood until 2:30 p.m.
Measles is recognized as a highly contagious viral respiratory disease that spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The D.C. health department has issued warnings regarding the risks associated with measles exposure. Virginia health officials are actively coordinating efforts to identify individuals who may have been exposed, including reaching out to potentially affected passengers from specific flights.
As of late May, over 1,000 measles cases had been recorded across the United States during the first four months of 2025. In the D.C. region, there have been several reported cases this year, including three cases in Virginia and three additional cases in Maryland as of March, according to health officials.
The symptoms of measles generally manifest in stages, with initial signs including red and watery eyes, a runny nose, and a cough. Symptoms typically develop within seven to 14 days after exposure, although they can appear as long as 21 days post-exposure. The second stage of measles begins three to five days after initial symptoms appear, marked by a rash that starts on the face and spreads to other areas of the body.
Individuals infected with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after the rash has developed. Health officials advise that if you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or if you were born before 1957, you are likely protected and do not need to take any further action.
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to measles and is not immune, or who suspects they might develop measles, should contact their healthcare provider immediately. D.C. health officials can be reached at 844-493-2652 for further guidance. In Virginia, residents concerned about potential exposure can email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov or contact their local health department for assistance.
Staying informed and vigilant is crucial in preventing the spread of measles in the community. Health officials are working tirelessly to ensure public safety and encourage anyone with concerns to seek professional medical advice.
