In a concerning update, the D.C. Department of Health has confirmed a positive case of measles in an individual who visited multiple locations in Washington, D.C., while contagious. The health department issued this alert on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of vigilance among residents and visitors.

The unnamed individual traveled throughout the capital within the past week, potentially exposing many to the highly contagious virus. Health officials have identified critical sites where exposure may have occurred, which include:

Amtrak Northeast Regional 175 Train (Southbound)

Date: March 19 Time: 7:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Amtrak Concourse, Union Station

Address: 50 Massachusetts Ave, NE Date: March 19 Time: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

MedStar Urgent Care, Adams Morgan

Address: 1805 Columbia Road, NW Date: March 22 Time: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Anyone who was in these locations during the specified times and is not vaccinated against measles is strongly urged to contact their health care provider or call D.C. Health at 844-493-2652 for further instructions.

This alarming development comes just weeks after Maryland health officials reported three measles cases in Howard and Prince George’s counties. All cases were linked to travels abroad and were not associated with outbreaks reported in New Mexico, Texas, or Oklahoma. As of now, it remains unclear if there is any travel connection relating to the recent D.C. case.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease characterized by symptoms that can initially appear after about seven days post-exposure. These symptoms may include a high fever, runny nose, watery eyes, and small white spots inside the mouth. Following these early symptoms, a distinctive red rash typically erupts, beginning on the face and quickly spreading throughout the body.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles can be particularly dangerous, with up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals who come into contact with an infected person likely to contract the virus. The CDC underscores the critical need for vaccination, recommending the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine as the most effective defense.

As authorities continue to monitor the situation, residents are urged to stay informed and consider vaccination to protect themselves and their communities from the resurgence of this highly infectious disease.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, and remember: prevention is the best cure!