DEVELOPING STORY: Travelers at Dulles International Airport and Reagan National may have been exposed to a highly contagious measles virus. The disease has been linked to an “international traveler” was was reportedly at the airports on Jan. 3.
The virus stays in the air for at least two hours and travelers should be looking for symptoms through next week, according to DC health officials.
So was this “international traveler” in the country legally?
The Virginia Department of Health put out a news release Saturday saying it was aware of a person with a confirmed case of measles who recently traveled through Northern Virginia after returning from an overseas trip.
The potential exposure has been linked to the international arrivals area of the main terminal at Dulles International Airport between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. local time on Jan. 3, and Terminal A at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport between 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 4, the agency said.
Health officials are working to identify anyone who may have been exposed, including passengers on specific flights, officials said.
“Anyone who was exposed and is at risk of developing measles should watch for symptoms until January 25, 2024,” health officials warned. “If you notice the symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home and away from others.”