Health officials are raising concerns over a potential measles outbreak at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) after two more passengers tested positive for the virus. The individuals who returned to the U.S. from overseas arrived on March 5, visiting Concourse A’s baggage claim area between 8 AM and 12:30 PM. An unrelated measles-infected passenger also visited the main terminal’s baggage claim later that day. Authorities have advised individuals present at the airport on this date to be vigilant for symptoms, though they claim that the incidents are not connected.
Two patients, residents of Prince George’s County, Maryland, visited several locations before their diagnosis, including Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on March 14. They utilized the shuttle bus terminal during their visit but did not board a flight. Their itinerary also included visits to a local Kaiser Permanente hospital and a Toyota dealership, prompting health officials to contact potential exposure sites and advise caution.
Measles, known for its high contagion, can linger in the air as infected droplets for over two hours.
