Virginia health officials warn of potential measles exposure at Washington Dulles Airport

LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has confirmed a third case of measles has been reported in Northern Virginia with potential exposures at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

In an announcement on Wednesday, the VDH said an international traveler visiting North Carolina tested positive for the illness. Health officials noted that the person traveled through the airport on June 19.

Now, health officials are working to identify the people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights at IAD.

Officials said the potential exposure was at the airport’s Concourse A, between 7:45 to 11:59 p.m., on transportation to the International Arrivals Building, and in the baggage claim area. The exposure may have also impacted travelers in the departure area, between 8 and 11:59 p.m., of the main terminal, east security checkpoint, or transportation to Concourse C and inside Concourse C.

This is the third reported measles case in 2025 in Virginia, according to the VDH.

What symptoms should you watch for?

Health officials noted that symptoms will typically develop in two stages. The first stage begins seven to 14 days after exposure. During this time, a person may develop a fever over 101 degrees, a runny nose, red watery eyes and a cough.

Within the second stage, which takes place three to five days after the initial symptoms start, a rash will appear on the face and begin to spread to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after it appears.

What should you do if you were potentially exposed?

According to the VDH, anyone who has never received a measles-containing vaccine and may have been exposed should contact their healthcare provider immediately. People should also watch for symptoms for 21 days after their potential exposure date and stay home if symptoms develop.

If you develop symptoms and need to seek care, call ahead before visiting the doctor or emergency room to inform them that you may have been exposed and ask them to contact the local health department.

Anyone who has received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or who was born before 1957 is protected from the illness and does not need to take any action, VDH noted. However, if you have an immunocompromising condition, you should consult your healthcare provider with any questions.

To contact a local health department in Virginia, click here. To contact DC Health, call 844-493-2652.