Check sites and dates – NBC4 Washington

DC Health reported Saturday that multiple individuals with confirmed cases of measles visited various locations throughout the District. The exact number of infected people remains unspecified, with DC Health stating that News4 has requested this information and is awaiting a response.

Exposure Locations and Dates

DC Health has identified several locations and times where exposure to measles may have occurred. These include:

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception: Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 3:30 p.m. To 8 p.m.
National March for Life Rally and Concert: Friday, Jan. 23 from 11 a.m. To 5 p.m.
Catholic University of America, Garvey Hall: Saturday, Jan. 24 from 12 p.m. To 3 p.m. And Sunday, Jan. 25 from 12 p.m. To 3 p.m.
Catholic University of America, Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center: Saturday, Jan. 24 from 6 p.m. To 9 p.m. And Sunday, Jan. 25 from 6 p.m. To 9 p.m.
Catholic University of America, St. Vincent de Paul Chapel: Sunday, Jan. 25 from 9 p.m. To 12 a.m.
Red Line train from Brookland – CUA transferring at Gallery Place – Chinatown to the Yellow Line train heading towards Huntington: Monday Jan. 26, 11:30 a.m. To 2 p.m.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport: Monday, Jan. 26, 12:30 p.m. To 10:30 p.m.
Yellow Line train from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport transferring at Gallery Place – Chinatown to the Red Line train heading towards Glenmont: Monday, Jan. 26, 8:30 p.m. To 11:30 p.m.
Red Line train from Brookland – CUA heading towards Shady Grove: Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 1:15 p.m. To 3:30 p.m.
Union Station Amtrak Concourse: Tuesday, Jan. 27, 1:30 p.m. To 6:30 p.m.
Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 176, Northbound from Washington Union Station: Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 4:30 p.m. To 8:00 p.m.
Children’s National Medical Center Emergency Department: Monday, Feb. 2, 11:15 a.m. To 1:45 p.m.

Did You Know? Measles is considered highly contagious and can spread through the air when an infected person breathes, sneezes, or coughs.

Measles is preventable with the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine. According to DC Health, nine out of 10 unvaccinated people exposed to measles will become infected. The U.S. Is currently at risk of losing its measles elimination status due to increasing vaccine hesitancy.

What to Do If Exposed

Individuals who have not received a measles-containing vaccine – either the MMR vaccine or a measles-only vaccine – are at risk. DC Health advises those in this category who may have been exposed to contact their healthcare provider or DC Health at 844-493-2652.

Immunocompromised individuals who may have been exposed should also consult their doctor, particularly if symptoms develop. Those who have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or were born before 1957 are considered protected and do not need to take action. Individuals with only one dose should discuss a second dose with their healthcare provider.

Expert Insight: The potential for widespread exposure across multiple public locations, including public transportation and a major medical center, highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease.

People at risk who have been exposed should monitor for symptoms for 21 days. If symptoms appear, immediate isolation and a call to a healthcare provider are recommended. If an in-person visit or emergency room trip is necessary, calling ahead is crucial to protect staff and other patients.

Symptoms of Measles

Measles symptoms develop in two stages. The first stage, appearing seven to 14 days after exposure, includes a fever over 101 degrees, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and a cough. The second stage, beginning three to five days after the initial symptoms, is marked by a rash starting on the face and spreading throughout the body.

An individual with measles is contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after it has appeared.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the potential exposure locations?

Potential exposure locations include the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the National March for Life Rally and Concert, Catholic University of America buildings, Red and Yellow Line Metro trains, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Union Station, Amtrak Train 176, and Children’s National Medical Center Emergency Department.

What should I do if I think I’ve been exposed?

If you have not received a measles-containing vaccine, contact your healthcare provider or DC Health at 844-493-2652. Immunocompromised individuals should also consult their doctor.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Symptoms include a fever over 101 degrees, runny nose, red, watery eyes, cough, and a rash that begins on the face and spreads throughout the body.

As health officials warn about misleading information regarding measles prevention, and with rising case numbers across the United States, understanding the risks and taking appropriate preventative measures is more important than ever.