Measles Spread On Flight Raises Concerns About Travel And Vaccination Safety

Syringe and MMR vaccine vial in gloved hand

A measles case linked to international travel through major DC-area airports has health officials scrambling to alert potentially exposed individuals while emphasizing the critical importance of vaccination against this highly contagious disease.

Key Takeaways

A Howard County, Maryland resident has been confirmed with measles after returning from international travel through Dulles International Airport
Potential exposure locations include Washington Dulles International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center
Measles is extremely contagious with a 90% infection rate among unprotected individuals and can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours
Health officials advise unvaccinated individuals to monitor for symptoms until January 25, 2024
The MMR vaccine provides effective protection against measles, with two doses generally conferring immunity

International Traveler Brings Measles to DC Area

DC Health officials have confirmed a measles case in a person who traveled through Washington Dulles International Airport following international travel. The infected individual also passed through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, potentially exposing numerous travelers to this highly contagious virus. Health departments across Virginia, Maryland, and DC are now working together to identify and contact those who may have been exposed. Authorities are particularly concerned about unvaccinated individuals who were in these locations during specific timeframes, as the virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

The Maryland Department of Health has identified the patient as a Howard County resident who recently returned from international travel. Potential exposure locations also include the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Pediatric Emergency Department. Officials are urging those who may have been exposed to be vigilant about monitoring for symptoms, which typically appear 7-21 days after exposure, with most cases developing symptoms within 10-14 days. Anyone experiencing symptoms is advised to stay home and contact their healthcare provider before seeking in-person medical attention.

Maryland confirms first measles case in traveler at major DC airport https://t.co/HjfmLPPRV1

— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 10, 2025

Understanding Measles and Its Risks

Measles is a viral respiratory illness that primarily affects children but can cause serious complications in people of all ages. Initial symptoms include high fever, anorexia, fatigue, cough, conjunctivitis, and distinctive bluish-gray spots in the mouth. A characteristic rash typically appears 2-4 days after these initial symptoms begin. The disease is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, infants under one year old, and individuals with compromised immune systems. These vulnerable populations face a higher risk of severe complications including pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death.

Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst at Fox News reiterated that “There is a 90% chance you will get it if you are unvaccinated and step into a room where someone with measles was two hours before.”

The extreme contagiousness of measles makes it a significant public health concern, especially in travel hubs like international airports. A person infected with measles can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after, making early identification and isolation crucial to preventing outbreaks. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can linger in the air long after the person has left. This prolonged environmental presence makes measles particularly dangerous in high-traffic public areas.

Health officials in Maryland confirmed Sunday that a Howard County resident has tested positive for measles after traveling internationally. https://t.co/zRmyx5YDnl

— FOX 5 DC (@fox5dc) March 10, 2025

Vaccination Remains the Best Protection

Health officials emphasize that vaccination with the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the most effective way to prevent measles infection and transmission. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are approximately 97% effective at preventing measles. Individuals are generally considered immune if they have received two doses of measles vaccine, had a previous measles infection, have laboratory evidence of immunity, or were born in the United States before 1957. Maryland has experienced sporadic measles cases in recent years, with one case reported in 2023 and now this first case of 2024.

This case comes as nearly 200 measles cases have been confirmed in Texas, primarily affecting unvaccinated, school-aged children. The recent resurgence of measles in various parts of the country highlights the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent community outbreaks. Public health experts continue to stress that the MMR vaccine is safe and effective, and that widespread vaccination is essential for maintaining herd immunity and protecting those who cannot be vaccinated due to age or medical conditions.