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Officials warn of possible measles outbreaks at Dulles and Reagan airports

Virginia health officials on Saturday warned that a person who passed through DC-area airports in early January after returning from international travel came down with measles, warning that others may have contracted the disease.

Virginia Department of Health He urged unvaccinated passengers People at Dulles International Airport between 4pm and 8pm on January 3rd to check for measles symptoms. Health officials issued a warning to people who were at Reagan National Airport between 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. on January 4th.

Officials said steps were being taken to contact those who were close to the man in terminals and on flights.

Health officials said measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. First, within seven to 14 days of exposure, people may get a fever of 101 degrees or higher. Experts also said that people will experience runny nose, watery eyes and cough. After symptoms start, a rash appears on a person's face and spreads to other parts of his body.

Officials said measles is easily spread through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “If someone has it, 90% of people are close [that person] They can also become contagious if not protected.” As of January 4, a total of 48 measles cases have been reported in 20 jurisdictions in the United States. CDC.

Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine are approximately 97 percent effective in preventing measles. The CDC said. The Virginia Department of Health reports that 95 percent of kindergarteners in the state have been vaccinated. But officials warned that children under 12 months are too young to vaccinate.

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Unvaccinated Jan. The department has asked to watch for symptoms till the 25th and those who have symptoms of measles should be isolated and call a doctor immediately.

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