DC airport on high alert after traveler diagnosed with one of world’s most contagious disease. What steps should you follow?

A potential measles outbreak at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia has caused widespread concern in the US putting health officials on alert. A passenger arriving on an international flight tested positive for the highly contagious respiratory illness, which is currently spreading through the US, reports Daily Mail. Travellers at the airport were warned earlier this month that they could be at high risk of the virus.

The infected traveler - who is a resident of another state - passed through the main terminal and the TSA security checkpoint before taking transportation to Concourse B between 1pm and 5pm. Travelers who fear they may have been exposed are advised to confirm if they have been vaccinated against measles.

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Measles outbreak in Virginia

"The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) was notified of a confirmed case of measles that traveled through Washington Dulles International Airport Tuesday, August 12. The confirmed case is a resident of another state. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights," the state health department said.

Virginia has reported three cases of measles to date in 2025, with another one of these cases also linked to a traveler at Washington Dulles International Airport. The US has so far recorded more than 1,375 cases of measles, more than 60 percent of which are in children and teens. About 95 percent of cases have been in unvaccinated people or those who have not completed the recommended two-dose regimen.

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What should you do if you were at the above locations?

Virginia health officials advised that if a person has 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 never received a measles containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who might have been exposed and is considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider promptly to discuss any questions they might have," the advisory read.

You need to watch for symptoms for 21 days after the date of your potential exposure. If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms.

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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. However, to achieve the highest level of protection, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.

What are symptoms of measles?

Measles is among the one of most infectious diseases on earth. Just one infected person can transmit the virus to an average of 12 to 18 susceptible people, including anyone who has not had two doses of the MMR vaccine, or has not previously contracted measles.

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. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. These symptoms usually start seven to fourteen days after being exposed.

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The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms start, when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.

Measles is preventable through a safe and effective MMR vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. Virginia has high measles vaccination rates, with approximately 95% of kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles. However, infants who are too young to be vaccinated, and others who are not vaccinated, are very susceptible to infection if they are exposed to measles.

nfants six months through 11 months of age who will be traveling internationally, or to an outbreak setting, should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.