DULLES, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The state health department is looking for people who may have been exposed to a measles case last Wednesday in the international arrivals area of Dulles airport. Virginia’s first measles case among several states. They warn anyone in that Terminal A, on transportation to the main terminal, and in the baggage area between 4PM-and-9PM March 5 who has not been vaccinated to contact a health provider as they may have been exposed. According to the VDH, measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages, and VDH urges watching for symptoms through March 26.

The first stage is fever greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough usually starting seven to 14 days after being exposed. The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms start, when a rash begins to appear on the face and spread to the rest of the body. The VDH says if you have received two doses of a measles containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action. If you have received only one dose of a measles containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low, but you should contact your healthcare provider about received a second vaccine dose.
Click here for the entire advisory.