ARLINGTON, Va. — Health officials are warning the public to watch for symptoms after a person who has tested positive for measles previously visited several stores in D.C. and Virginia while contagious.
According to the Arlington County Public Health Division (ACPHD), the patient lives in another state but went to the Harris Teeter at 624B N Glebe Road in Arlington sometime between noon and 4 p.m. on July 1.
The D.C. Health Department is also warning anyone who visited the following stores on July 2:
- CVS Pharmacy: 2226 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington DC between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. July 2.
- LabCorp: 2233 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. July 2.
Out of caution, health officials are informing residents who may have visited the stores around the same time that they may have been exposed.
Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread through the air easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Earlier symptoms include:
- running nose
- cough
- red and watery eyes
- small white spots inside the cheeks
However, a rash may appear 7-18 days after exposure, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The rash may appear on the face and upper neck and spread over three days, eventually to the hands and feet.
"People with measles are contagious from 4 days before the rash appears through 4 days after the rash appeared," ACPHD said in a press release.
If you visited these stores at the same time as the patient, here's what you need to keep in mind:
- If you have never received a measles-containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps, and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who was exposed and is at risk of developing measles should watch for symptoms until July 23, 2024. If you notice the symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home and away from others. Contact your healthcare provider right away. Call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the health department. This will help protect other patients and staff.
- If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.
- If you have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve complete immunity, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.
- If you have an immunocompromising condition, please consult with your healthcare provider if you have questions or develop symptoms.
Anyone with questions may contact the Arlington County Public Health's Communicable Disease Programs at 703-228-5657 or DC Health at 844-493-2652.