WASHINGTON (7News) — Health officials in Maryland and the District of Columbia are investigating a confirmed measles case involving a Maryland resident who recently traveled internationally and may have exposed others at locations in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.
The Maryland Department of Health said the infected individual lives in the Maryland National Capital Region and recently returned from travel outside the United States. DC Health said the person visited multiple locations in the District while contagious.
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Officials identified two locations where people may have been exposed to the virus:
- Dulles International Airport’s Concourse C international arrivals corridor, transportation to the International Arrivals Building and baggage claim area between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. on June 17.
- Mary’s Center Adams Morgan Clinic, located at 2333 Ontario Road NW in Washington, D.C., between 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on June 17.
Health departments in Maryland and the District are working to identify and notify people who may have come into contact with the infected individual.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Health officials said the virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
People who were at the identified locations during the exposure periods are urged to review their vaccination records and monitor for symptoms for 21 days following potential exposure.
Early symptoms include a fever above 101 degrees, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A characteristic rash typically develops several days later, beginning on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.
Individuals who develop symptoms are advised to stay home, avoid public places and contact a healthcare provider before seeking in-person medical care so precautions can be taken to prevent additional exposures.
“Vaccination remains essential to protecting ourselves, our families, and our communities against measles and other infectious diseases,” said Maryland Department of Health Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Dr. Meg Sullivan. “Talk with your healthcare provider to ensure you and your family are up to date with all recommended vaccines, including the MMR vaccine.”
Health officials said people who have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or who were born before 1957 are generally considered protected.
The Maryland Department of Health said this is the fourth measles case identified in the state in 2026. Three cases were reported in Maryland during 2025.
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Health officials emphasized the importance of vaccination and urged residents who may have been exposed to monitor for symptoms and contact healthcare providers if concerns arise.
Maryland residents with questions can contact the Maryland Department of Health at 410-795-7365, while DC Health has established a hotline, 844-493-2652, for individuals seeking guidance about potential exposure.
