Health officials are raising alarms about a potential measles outbreak at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia. A passenger arriving from an international flight has tested positive for this highly contagious respiratory illness, which is currently on the rise across the United States. Travelers who were present at the airport on June 8 are being advised that they may be at high risk of exposure to the virus.
The infected individual passed through Concourse A of the airport, utilized airport transportation to reach the International Arrivals Building (IAB), and visited the baggage claim area between 10:30 AM and 1 PM. Furthermore, they took public transportation on the same day, traveling on the Washington Metro Silver Line train from the Dulles International Airport station to the Red Line, heading toward Shady Grove station between 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM.
Travelers who believe they may have been exposed to the measles virus are urged to verify their vaccination status. As of 2025, Virginia has reported three cases of measles, one of which is also linked to a traveler at Dulles International Airport. This alarming news coincides with a significant outbreak in Texas, where nearly 800 individuals have been infected, resulting in the deaths of two unvaccinated children. Experts caution that the United States is at risk of further measles outbreaks due to declining vaccination rates.
As of now, a total of 744 confirmed cases have been documented in Texas since late January, with 96 of these patients requiring hospitalization. Nationwide, there have been 1,168 confirmed cases of measles reported across 34 states, along with at least three fatalities. Measles, known as the world's most contagious disease, infects nine out of every ten individuals exposed to the virus. However, those who are fully vaccinated have a 97% protection rate against the illness.
The symptoms of measles include small white spots inside the mouth, flat red spots that appear on the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet, as well as ear infections and high fever. Severe cases can lead to life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia. To ensure protection against measles, children are required to receive two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine: the first dose at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years. Babies aged 6-11 months should receive an early dose if they are traveling internationally. Adults should also verify their immunity to measles.
In a recent advisory, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned that individuals can contract measles during travel or at crowded events unless they are fully vaccinated or have previously had the disease. The advisory states, "Travelers can catch measles in many travel settings, including airports, train stations, on public transportation like airplanes and trains, at tourist attractions, and at large, crowded events." It further emphasizes that infected travelers can bring the disease back to their communities, where it can spread rapidly among those who are not immune.
The CDC recommends that all travelers be fully vaccinated against measles before embarking on international trips. The last significant surge of measles cases in the U.S. occurred in 2019, with a total of 1,274 cases reported for the entire year. Although measles was officially declared eradicated in the U.S. in 2000 due to a successful vaccination campaign, recent studies indicate a decline in vaccine uptake among children in 80% of U.S. counties last year. This decline is being attributed to the recent resurgence of measles cases.
Currently, vaccine rates in the U.S. have fallen by three percent, with only 91% of children vaccinated against measles—below the 95% threshold necessary to prevent widespread outbreaks. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have warned that if vaccination rates continue to decline, measles could once again become a common infection among Americans. It is crucial for individuals and families to prioritize vaccination to protect themselves and their communities from this preventable disease.
