Measles patient may have exposed people at Dulles International Airport and in Montgomery County

A patient who is confirmed to have the measles may have exposed the virus to people at Washington Dulles International Airport and in Montgomery County, according to officials.

Montgomery County health officials said the patient contracted measles outside the U.S. before developing symptoms in the U.S. The patient was diagnosed in the U.S on Wednesday.

Officials said the patient may have exposed people to measles at the following locations and times:

- Tuesday, May 15 - Washington Dulles International Airport at the International Arrivals and baggage claim area between 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.

- Thursday, May 17 - Nordstrom Rack at 15760 Shady Grove Rd. in Gaithersburg between 3 to 6 p.m.

- Friday, May 18 - Circuit Court of Maryland, located at 50 Maryland Ave., in Hearing Room 2K on the second floor of the South Tower in Rockville between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Measles is highly contagious and is spread through the air when someone with measles coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread by direct contact with an infected nose or throat secretions.

Health officials said while most Americans are vaccinated against measles, exposure poses a potential risk to those who have not been vaccinated. People who may have been exposed were urged to monitor for any potential symptoms.

Symptoms usually appear in two stages, according to health officials. In the first stage, most people develop a fever greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery eyes and a cough. The second stage begins around the third to seventh day when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads over the entire body. Some may develop symptoms up to 21 days after exposure.

If you notice symptoms of measles, you're urged to limit your exposure to others and contact your doctor. You can also call the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services' Disease Control Office at (240) 777-1755.