Health officials across DMV issue exposure warnings after 2 confirmed cases of measles
Health officials in D.C., Maryland and Virginia have issued exposure warnings after two cases of measles were confirmed in the area.
The two new cases were identified in individuals who had traveled internationally and arrived back in the states through Dulles International Airport.
The individuals traveled to several locations throughout the region. The full list of potential exposure sites can be seen below.
WASHINGTON - Health officials in D.C., Maryland and Virginia are issuing a warning about measles exposure after two confirmed cases were identified in the region.
Officials say these two cases are not connected to the positive case in Howard County, which was confirmed almost two weeks ago, making for a total of three cases in our area in the month of March.
Just like the confirmed case on March 5, these two new cases were identified in people who traveled internationally and arrived back in the states through Dulles International Airport.
Leaders with the Maryland Department of Health say the two people who tested positive are from Prince George's County. They visited a number of places after arriving at Dulles.
What we know
Officials say anyone who visited the following locations during any of the listed hours might have been exposed:
Washington Dulles International Airport: Concourse A, on transportation to the International Arrivals Building (IAB) and in the baggage claim area
March 5th, 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Kaiser Permanente Largo Medical Center, 1221 Mercantile Ln, Upper Marlboro
March 5th, 7:30 p.m. - March 6th, 4:30 a.m.
March 13th, 4:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
March 15th, 7:45 a.m. - 3: 15 p.m.
March 17th, 2:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport: Terminal Shuttle Bus
March 14th, 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Washington Metro Area Transit: Yellow Line Train from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport station transferring at the L'Enfant Plaza station to the Silver Line Train heading towards the Downtown Largo station
March 14th, 12:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Passport Toyota, 5001 Auth Way, Suitland
March 17th, 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
What they're saying
Health officials continue to urge caution as measles is described as "one of the most contagious diseases in the world" but Dr. Lucia Donatelli with Maryland's Department of Health says if you're vaccinated, you shouldn't be too worried.
"Getting measles disease in the United States right now is primarily if you are unvaccinated. It is important for you to stay up to date with your vaccines. We have two really effective and safe vaccines that prevent measles. One dose is 93 percent effective, two doses is 97 percent effective," said Donatelli, the Chief of the Center for Immunization, Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Outbreak Response Bureau for MDH.
Some early symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, watery red eyes and a cough. Then, a rash begins to appear on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.
If you think you may have been exposed, you're asked to call your doctor immediately. Donatelli adds that the best way to protect yourself from the disease is by getting vaccinated.
"Please if you are planning on going anywhere overseas, please check to make sure that you are vaccinated against measles," she said.
Maryland Department of Health
Virginia Department of Health
D.C. Health
The Source
Maryland Department of Health, Virginia Department of Health, D.C. Department of Health and Human Services
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Yahoo
Maryland heat deaths, illnesses already above 2024 rates
BALTIMORE — At least 13 people have died so far because of heat-related illnesses in Maryland during this year's 'heat season,' up from this time last year, according to a report sent to The Baltimore Sun from the Maryland Department of Health. In 2024, there were 27 heat-related deaths across the state, according to reports from the state Department of Health. By late July last year, 11 people had died. During Maryland's heat season, which the department defines as May through September, there have already been 1,008 EMS calls and 1,129 emergency department or urgent care visits related to heat-related illness in 2025. Despite two more months of heat season, Maryland is close to meeting last year's total number of emergency department or urgent care visits because of heat, which was 1,206 in 2024. 'Heat illness is certainly an under-recognized, under-appreciated threat, and it can have real consequences,' said David Gatz, the associate medical director of the Adult Emergency Department at the University of Maryland Medical Center. —What is heat illness? Children, seniors and people with chronic illnesses are most susceptible to heat illness, Gatz said, but anyone can be at risk if put in high-heat environments. The lowest level of heat illness is heat exhaustion, which occurs when water and salt are depleted, typically from being outside and sweating. This can make people feel that they're going to pass out, their heart is beating faster or they feel nauseous, according to Cheyenne Falat, the assistant medical director of the Adult Emergency Department at the University of Maryland Medical Center. At this stage, Falat said, getting hydrated, moving away from the heat and cooling the body can usually be enough to prevent serious illness. Moderate heat illness can include heat rash, swelling — typically in the legs — and heat cramps and brief fainting, Falat said. The most severe level of heat illness is heat stroke, which affects the neurological system. Falat said looking out for any changes like slurred speech, difficulties with fine motor skills, and being unsteady could be signs to head to see a medical professional as soon as possible. 'The earlier you can recognize it and intervene, the more you can prevent it from transitioning to that next stage,' Falat said. Recognizing when heat illness is severe enough to warrant a trip to the hospital is challenging, however, Gatz said, but the most important step is listening to your body. To prevent heat illness, Falat and Gatz recommend attempting not to over-exert, applying sunscreen, hydrating and limiting time exposed to extreme temperatures. —Heat in the workplace Heat illness and heat-related deaths in Maryland have become top-of-mind for employers because of a new law requiring workplaces with high heat indexes to educate their employees on heat illness as well as provide water and frequent breaks. The 2024 death of Baltimore City Department of Public Works trash collector Ronald Silver also ignited conversations in the region about monitoring the health of people working during high heat indexes. The Maryland Department of Labor has not received any notifications of heat-related deaths at workplaces this year, a spokesperson for the department told the Sun. Maryland Occupational Safety and Health, part of the state labor department, has received reports of heat-related concerns that are being investigated, the spokesperson said, but did not specify the number of complaints. AFSCME Maryland Council 3 — a union representing state, municipal and county employees in Maryland, of which Silver was a member — has also not heard any reports of heat-related deaths at workplaces in the state. Still, leaders do have concerns over a lack of heat safety plans from some of their employers, according to a union spokesperson. The plans are required under the heat safety standards, which became law in September 2024.
Washington Post
17-07-2025
- Washington Post
One Big Beautiful Bill will strip health coverage from 175,000 Marylanders
Changes to Medicaid passed this month in the federal budget reconciliation bill will strip health care coverage from 175,000 Maryland residents, who make up more than 10 percent of those currently enrolled in Medicaid, and eventually will cost the state about $2.7 billion annually, according to an analysis published by the Maryland Department of Health.
CBS News
03-07-2025
- CBS News
8 heat-related deaths reported in Maryland during dangerous heat wave
Maryland saw 8 heat-related deaths during a dangerous heat wave, according to the Maryland Department of Health. According to the MDH's report, which covers the week of June 22 to June 28, there were 472 emergency department and urgent care visits combined. Heat-Related Illness ED/UC Visits Maryland Department of Health The 18–44 age group made the most emergency visits, followed by the 65+ age group. Six of the individuals who died due to heat illness were 65 or older. Region three, which includes Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties, saw the highest number of visits (197). Dangerous heat wave Baltimore City was among multiple Maryland counties that declared extreme heat alerts and opened cooling centers. The WJZ First Alert Weather team issued Alert Days through June 25 due to the dangerous temperatures. Meanwhile, Gov. Wes Moore activated Maryland's State of Preparedness protocol. While normal temperatures in June for the region are typically in the upper 80s, we saw temperatures approach 100 degrees, before cooler weather returned. On June 22, the second day of the Baltimore AFRAM festival in Druid Hill Park, the heat index reached 100 degrees. Staying safe in extreme heat Heat is the number one weather-related cause of death in the United States There are multiple ways to stay cool in extreme heat. Loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing is recommended to help stay cool, according to the CDC. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and overly sweetened drinks is also suggested. You should also avoid direct sunlight and stay in the shade when possible. Heat exhaustion and heat illness typically present with symptoms like dizziness, muscle cramps, thirst, profuse sweating, nausea, and fatigue, according to the National Weather Service. If you experience these signs, you should move to a cooler area, loosen clothing, and sip cool water. If symptoms still persist, seek medical help, as heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.
