Alexandria Health Department Shares Details of Northern Virginia Measles Exposures

Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is advising residents about potential exposures to measles in northern Virginia. Full details are available in a news release from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) titled, "Virginia Health Officials Investigating a Potential Measles Exposure in Northern Virginia."

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) was notified of a confirmed case of measles that traveled through Washington Dulles International Airport Saturday, January 24. The person is a resident of another state. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights.

Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of the potential exposure sites:

• Dulles International Airport (IAD): in Concourse B, on transportation to the International Arrivals Building (IAB) and in the baggage claim area between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. Saturday, January 24.
• Dulles shuttle bus to the rental car facilities between 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Saturday, January 24.

Any additional exposure sites identified in Virginia will be posted to the VDH Measles website. To date in 2026, Virginia has four reported cases of measles.

What To Do

If you were exposed at the locations and times above, read the news release for instructions. Here's a summary:

• If you've had the recommended measles vaccine (like MMR) or were born before 1957: You don't need to take any special actions.
• If you were exposed, born after 1957, and are not fully vaccinated: Watch for symptoms for 21 days after you may have been exposed. If you get symptoms, stay away from others and call the doctor right away. Symptoms include:
  • Runny nose
  • Fever over 101°F
  • Cough
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Rash
• If you have a weakened immune system: Talk to your doctor for specific advice.

If you have questions about a potential exposure, email [email protected]or call the Alexandria Health Department call center at 703.746.4988 during normal business hours.

How to Check Your Measles Vaccination

Hearing about measles in our community makes many people want to know their vaccine history. The best way to know if you've gotten your recommended measles vaccines is to ask your doctor to check your vaccine record. For children, ask their pediatrician.

If you got vaccines in Virginia, you can also check online using the Virginia MMR record portal. Several other states also have similar systems.

If you haven't had the recommended vaccines, you can get the MMR shot from your doctor or a pharmacy in Virginia.

Learn more about measles, symptoms, and vaccines on the VDH Measles website.

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If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email [email protected] or call 703.746.3960.

For media inquiries only, please contact Brookie Crawford at [email protected].