Health officials warn of possible measles exposure at Dulles, Ronald Reagan airports

Health officials in the nation's capital are warning thousands of people on Tuesday of possible measles infection after a person with a "confirmed case" traveled through two of the region's busiest airports while returning home from international travel.

DC Health says the potential exposure occurred in the international arrivals area of the main terminal at Dulles International Airport between 4 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3, then again from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. the next day at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport's Terminal A.

"DC Health has been notified of a confirmed case of measles in an individual who traveled through DC area airports while returning from international travel," the agency said in a statement. "Although the risk of transmission is low, DC Health is notifying District residents who were at these locations about their potential exposure."

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The Virginia Department of Health issued a similar warning a few days ago.

Both airports receive hundreds of flights arriving and departing daily carrying thousands of passengers. 

“Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of 101 degrees. Symptoms include a fever, runny nose, watery red eyes and a cough. "These symptoms typically begin 7 to 14 days after exposure," the Virginia Department of Health said in a statement.

It is unclear which airline the person with measles was traveling with.

Both health agencies say anyone who has been exposed and is at risk of getting measles should remain alert for symptoms until Jan. 25.

They both say, "If you have symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home and away from others. Contact your healthcare provider immediately."

"Before you go to your health care provider's office or emergency room, inform them that you have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the health department. This will help protect other patients and staff."