A measles outbreak in Northern Virginia has prompted warnings from local health officials, with two new confirmed cases reported this month. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is investigating the spread of the virus through international travel and multiple potential exposures.
Measles symptoms appear in two stages. Initially, people may experience fever, a runny nose, watery eyes, and cough. This stage typically lasts seven to 14 days after exposure. As the condition progresses, a rash begins to appear on the face before spreading throughout the body.
VDH officials have warned that measles is highly contagious, spreading easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after it has appeared.
The latest confirmed cases were linked to international travel, specifically Dulles International Airport on March 5 and Ronald Reagan National Airport on March 14. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is also involved in the investigation, contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights.
Source: https://www.12onyourside.com/2025/03/21/vdh-warns-2-more-measles-exposures-northern-virginia