Map: Sites in Va., Md. and D.C. Added to Potential Measles Exposure

The Virginia Department of Health is expanding its investigation into a potential measles exposure into additional counties in Virginia, as well as parts of Maryland and D.C.

Earlier this month, health officials released a list of businesses and medical facilities visited by a child with measles between April 23 and May 1. A second case of measles was confirmed in a person who had close contact with that child.

Officials say a second patient went to a number of businesses while contagious between May 11 and 15 in Fairfax, Loudoun and Arlington counties in Virginia; in Montgomery County, Maryland, and in Washington, D.C.

Preventative measures may be available for those who were at the May 15 exposure sites only, but that treatment must be administered by Wednesday to be effective.

Below is a map of the dates, times and locations of the potential exposure sites in both cases:

View Potential Measles Exposure Sites in a full screen map

If you were at one of those locations at the time specified:

• ... and you've had at least one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine in the past, your risk of being infected is very low, health officials say.
• ... and you've never received the MMR vaccine, you may be at risk. If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately limit your exposure to others and call your doctor. Make sure to call ahead before visiting your doctor's office or an emergency room, and tell your healthcare provider's office that you were exposed to measles.

Measles is spread through coughing, sneezing and contact with secretions from the nose, mouth and throat of an infected person.

Symptoms usually appear in two stages. First, most people develop a fever of greater than 101 degrees, a runny nose, watery red eyes and a cough. In the second stage (around the third to seventh day), a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads over the entire body.

"Pregnant women, people who are immune compromise and infants are viewed as high risk groups," said Dr. David Goodfriend of the Loudoun County Health Department.

Based on the dates of exposure listed above, people may develop symptoms in this case as late as June 5, health officials said.

Those with more questions can call 877-275-8343 within Virginia. For more information on measles, go here.