Health officials in Washington D.C. have confirmed a measles case as the city prepares for its annual cherry blossom season. The individual traveled on an Amtrak train from Boston to Washington, with potential exposure at Union Station and an urgent care center in Adams Morgan.
Measles is highly contagious, spreading through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. City officials warn that people who have not been immunized against the virus should contact their healthcare provider or health officials at 844-493-2652.
The case comes as millions of visitors are expected to attend cherry blossom events this weekend. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 378 reported cases of measles in 18 states this year, primarily in the South Plains and Panhandle regions of Texas and New Mexico.
People who have received two vaccine shots, previously had measles, or were born before 1957 are considered immune to the virus. However, pregnant women, infants under one year old, and those with compromised immunity are at higher risk of complications from measles.
Symptoms of measles include fever over 101 degrees, runny nose, cough, red eyes, loss of appetite, diarrhea, a red rash on the face and body, and Koplik spots inside the mouth. The individual with measles was contagious four days before showing symptoms and for four days after the onset of the rash.
The U.S. typically receives the measles vaccine around their first birthday. City health officials are urging caution as people prepare to attend large events this weekend.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/03/25/measles-exposure-washington-dc-amtrak-cherry-blossoms/82653185007