Northern Virginia health officials investigate potential exposure to measles virus

MANASSAS, Va. (FOX 5 DC) - Health officials are alerting the public to a potential exposure to the measles virus after a person with a confirmed case of measles was known to have been in several places in different parts of northern Virginia over the past weekend and earlier this week.

Officials are alerting those who may have been at the following locations on these specific dates and times:

- Dulles International Airport in Terminal A and Baggage Claim level on Sunday, June 2, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

- Novant Health UVA Health System Haymarket Medical Center, 15225 Heathcote Boulevard, Haymarket, VA in the emergency department on Sunday, June 2 at 11 p.m. through early Monday, June 3 at 4:30 a.m.

- Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, 3600 Joseph Siewick Drive, Fairfax, VA in the emergency department, including the waiting area, on Tuesday, June 4 from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

Officials warn that based on the date of exposure in this instances, if you were potentially infected with measles you may develop symptoms as late as June 25.

The Virginia Department of Health advises anyone at the above locations at the times noted should:

- If you have received two doses of a measles containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles only vaccine which is available in other countries) you are protected and do not need to take any action.

- If you have received only one dose of a measles containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve complete immunity, contact your health care provider about getting a second vaccine dose.

- If you have never received a measles containing vaccine nor had a documented case of measles, you may be at risk of getting measles from this exposure. Contact your local health department or health care provider for advice on possible intervention to decrease your risk of becoming infected or other precautions you need to take. If you notice the symptoms of measles, stay home and away from others and immediately call your primary health care provider or health department to discuss further care. Call ahead before going to the office or the emergency room and tell them that you were exposed to measles.

Anyone with concerns can contact the Virginia Department of Health at 571-233-7314 for more information.