Possible measles exposure at Washington Dulles International Airport

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has been notified of a confirmed case of measles at Washington Dulles International Airport on Wednesday, March 5.

The confirmed case comes after an individual who was was traveling internationally returned -- health officials are coordinating efforts to identify and contact people who might have been exposed, including passengers on specific flights.

According to the VDH, the exposure happened in Terminal A on the transportation to the main terminal in the baggage claim area between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Measles is described by the VDH as a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when the infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually occur in two stages.

In the first stage:

• Most people have a fever higher than 101
• Runny nose
• Watery red eyes
• Cough
• They usually occur 14 days after exposure

The second stage:

• Starts three to five days after symptoms start
• Rash begins to appear on the face & spread to the rest of the body

According to the VDH, people with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.

Additionally, the VDH provided recommendations for those that were at the above location or have been exposed to measles:

• If you have not received a vaccine containing measles you may be at risk for developing measles
• Anyone exposed or considered to be at risk should contact their health provider
• Watch your symptoms until March 26 and if you develop symptoms immediately isolate yourself at home
• Contact your health provider right away and call the office prior to going to the office or emergency room to notify them that you have been exposed to measles
• Anyone with an immunocompromised condition should should consult with their healthcare provider if they have any questions or develop any symptoms
• If you have received two doses of a vaccine containing measles or were born before 1957 you are protected and do not need to take action
• If you have received only one dose of a vaccine containing measles you are likely to be protected and your risk from exposure is low
• To achieve full immunity contact your healthcare provider about getting a second dose of the vaccine

If you have any questions or are concerned about possible exposure you can visit the VDH website, or contact your healthcare provider.