Measles case confirmed in person who passed through Dulles Airport

Health officials have confirmed a case of measles in a person who spent time in the Washington, D.C. area.

Officials tell news outlets the person contracted measles outside the country, developed symptoms here after and is under medical care. Montgomery County health officials, the Maryland Department of Health and the Virginia Department of Health are investigating.

According to officials, the person's plane landed at Dulles Airport on May 15, and the individual was seen in the airport's Arrivals and baggage claim area.

Potential areas of exposure also include Nordstrom Rack in Gaithersburg, Maryland, on May 17 and the Circuit Court of Maryland in Rockville on May 18, where the person appeared in Hearing Room 2K on the second floor.

According to officials, measles is a highly contagious virus that is spread through the air when someone with measles coughs or sneezes (and by direct contact with infected nose or throat secretions).

Measles symptoms can appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people develop a fever over 101 degrees, a runny nose, watery eyes, and a cough. The second stage begins around the third to seventh day when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads over the whole body.

Officials add some people may develop symptoms up to 21 days after exposure.

Individuals concerned about possible exposure and vulnerability to measles should contact their primary health care provider or local health department before visiting a provider office or health care facility. Measles poses a risk to those who haven't been vaccinated.

Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services' Disease Control Office is asking anyone with questions or concerns to call 240-777-1755 or the department's County Crisis Center after hours or weekend line at 240-777-4000.