First Confirmed Case of Measles in Washington, D.C. Sparks Health Investigation

Washington, D.C. health officials are scrambling to investigate a confirmed case of measles after the infected individual visited several locations in the district, potentially exposing others to the highly contagious virus. The DC Department of Health issued a public warning late Tuesday, urging vigilance and caution.

Officials listed the following locations and times where exposure may have occurred:

• Amtrak Northeast Regional 175 Train (Southbound): March 19, 7:30 p.m. through 1:30 a.m.
• Amtrak Concourse, Union Station: March 19, 11:00 p.m. through 1:30 a.m.
• MedStar Urgent Care, Adams Morgan: March 22, 7:00 p.m. through 11:00 p.m.

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms usually show up 7 to 14 days after exposure and include fever over 101°F, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. The telltale rash—starting on the face and spreading across the body—appears 3 to 5 days after initial symptoms. Here's the kicker: infected individuals can spread the virus four days before the rash shows up and up to four days after it disappears.

Health officials advise that anyone who was at the listed locations during the specified times and is unvaccinated should monitor themselves for symptoms until 21 days after exposure. If symptoms arise, the recommendation is crystal clear: call your doctor or DC Health at 844-493-2652 and stay home to avoid infecting others.

Maryland, which saw its first confirmed case of measles in a traveler at Baltimore airport earlier this month, is also on edge as the virus tears through the Northeast. This isn’t just a localized issue—measles cases are surging nationwide. In Texas alone, 327 cases have been reported this season, with 40 hospitalizations. And according to CDC data, there have been 378 cases confirmed across the U.S. as of March 20.

It’s worth noting that measles is preventable with the MMR vaccine, which provides lifetime protection with two doses. People born before 1957 or those who have received two doses of the vaccine are considered fully protected. However, those with only one dose may want to consider a booster for peace of mind. Infants under 12 months and unvaccinated individuals are the most vulnerable to this virus—and yes, it’s a stark reminder that vaccines are lifesavers.

As measles cases continue to rise this cold and flu season, staying informed and vaccinated is the best defense against this unsettling outbreak.