Details of the Case

As of Sunday, health officials confirmed that a resident of Howard County tested positive for measles after returning from an overseas trip. This incident is not related to the ongoing measles outbreak observed in Texas and New Mexico.

Public Health Response

In a proactive measure, health authorities are actively working to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. They are contacting passengers from specific flights and individuals who visited certain areas where exposure could have occurred.

Potential Measles Exposure Sites

According to health officials, the following locations may have had exposure to the measles virus:

• Washington Dulles International Airport: Terminal A, on the way to the main terminal and in the baggage claim area between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5.
• Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center: Pediatric Emergency Department on March 7, from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Measles Symptoms and Precautions

Symptoms of measles generally manifest 10 to 14 days post-exposure and include:

• High fever (above 101°F)
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Red, watery eyes
• A red rash that typically develops one to four days later, starting on the face and spreading across the body

Health officials recommend that anyone who may have been exposed monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days. If symptoms develop, individuals are advised to stay away from public places, including schools and workplaces, and to consult their healthcare provider before visiting any medical facility.

At-Risk Populations

Health officials express particular concern for vulnerable groups such as:

• Pregnant women
• Infants younger than one year
• Individuals with compromised immune systems

For Virginia residents, additional information is available on the Virginia Department of Health website.