Measles Discovery At Major Airport Raises Global Travel And Health Concerns

Health officials have identified a measles case in an international traveler at Washington Dulles Airport, raising concerns about potential exposure across multiple DC-area locations and prompting urgent notifications to thousands of travelers.

Quick Takes

A Maryland resident who recently traveled internationally has been confirmed to have measles, with potential exposure points at both Dulles International and Reagan National airports.
Health departments across DC, Virginia, and Maryland are working to identify and contact individuals who may have been exposed to this highly contagious disease.
Unvaccinated individuals should monitor for symptoms until January 25, 2024, as measles has a 90% infection rate among unprotected people.
The virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area.
Measles typically appears 7-21 days after exposure, with early symptoms including fever, runny nose, cough and red eyes before the characteristic rash develops.

Traveler Brings Measles Through Major DC Airports

DC Health and neighboring public health departments have confirmed a measles case in a Howard County, Maryland resident who recently returned from international travel. The infected individual passed through multiple high-traffic locations, including Washington Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, potentially exposing countless travelers and employees. Officials are now working diligently to identify and notify everyone who might have come into contact with the virus during specific timeframes at these locations, as well as at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center’s Pediatric Emergency Department where the patient sought treatment.

Measles spreads with remarkable efficiency, making these airport exposures particularly concerning. The virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area, creating a wide window for potential transmission. For unvaccinated individuals, the risk is substantial—health experts warn that anyone without immunity has approximately a 90% chance of contracting the illness if they occupy the same space as an infected person, even hours later. All potentially exposed individuals are being advised to monitor for symptoms through January 25, 2024.

Health officials in Maryland confirmed Sunday that a Howard County resident has tested positive for measles after traveling internationally. https://t.co/zRmyx5YDnl

— FOX 5 DC (@fox5dc) March 10, 2025

Understanding Measles Symptoms and Risks

Measles begins with seemingly routine symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other common illnesses. Early signs typically include high fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, cough, and conjunctivitis (pink eye). What makes measles distinctive is the progression to characteristic bluish-gray spots inside the mouth, followed by a rash that typically appears 2-4 days after initial symptoms. The Maryland Department of Health emphasizes that individuals typically become contagious four days before the rash appears and remain contagious until four days after the rash emerges.

Certain populations face heightened risks for serious complications from measles. These high-risk groups include pregnant women, infants under one year old who are too young to receive the vaccine, and individuals with compromised immune systems. The incubation period—the time between exposure and first symptoms—typically ranges from 7 to 21 days, with most people developing symptoms within 10-14 days after exposure. Health departments are urging anyone who develops measles symptoms to call their healthcare provider before arriving at medical facilities to prevent further spread.

Maryland confirms first measles case in traveler at major DC airport https://t.co/HjfmLPPRV1

— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 10, 2025

Vaccination Status and Public Health Response

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine remains the primary defense against measles. Immunity is generally presumed for those who have received two doses of the vaccine, who have previously had measles, who have laboratory evidence of immunity, or who were born in the United States before 1957. Maryland has historically maintained good control of measles, with only sporadic cases in recent years—one in 2023 and none from 2020 through 2022—before this latest 2024 case. This stands in contrast to the concerning situation in Texas, where nearly 200 measles cases have been confirmed, primarily affecting unvaccinated school-aged children.

Public health officials across DC, Maryland, and Virginia have mobilized rapidly in response to this case. Their coordinated efforts include contact tracing to identify exposed individuals, providing guidance for monitoring and prevention, and preparing healthcare facilities for potential cases. The Maryland Department of Health has issued clear instructions for those who develop symptoms: stay home from work, school, or childcare; avoid public places; and contact healthcare providers by phone first to allow for proper precautions that prevent spread in medical settings. This incident highlights the critical role that preparedness and vaccination play in preventing isolated cases from becoming broader outbreaks.