Montgomery County officials have sent out a health alert Thursday to let people know they may have been exposed to a person with measles.
The person contracted measles outside the United States, but developed symptoms when they traveled back to the D.C. area, officials said.
Health officials say anyone who was the following locations at these times should monitor their health for any potential symptoms:
- Tuesday, May 15: The international arrivals and baggage claim area of Dulles International Airport from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, May 17: Nordstrom Rack at 15760 Shady Grove Road in Gaithersburg, Maryland, from 3 to 6 p.m.
- Friday, May 18: Hearing Room 2K, the second floor and the South Tower at the Circuit Court of Maryland at 50 Maryland Avenue in Rockville from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that is spread through the air when someone with measles coughs or sneezes, and by direct contact with an infected person's nose or throat secretions, health officials say.
If you have received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, you carry a very low risk of measles infection. If you have not received a dose of the vaccine, you might be at risk of measles infection.
Symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people develop a fever greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery eyes and a cough. The second stage begins around the third to seventh day when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads over the entire body. Some may develop symptoms up to 21 days after exposure.
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If you notice the symptoms of measles, health officials say you should immediately limit your exposure to other people. Individuals who are concerned about possible exposure and vulnerability to measles should contact their primary health care provider or local health department before visiting a provider office or health care facility.
