A confirmed measles case has prompted a public health alert across the D.C. region after a Maryland resident traveled through Dulles International Airport and visited an urgent care clinic in the District. Health officials are now urging anyone who may have been exposed to take precautions.

The Public Health Alert

Local health agencies in the District, Maryland, and Virginia issued coordinated announcements about the case on Saturday. Officials encouraged anyone who believes they may have been exposed to contact their health provider and to stay home if they begin feeling sick.

Where the Exposure Occurred

According to health officials, the individual passed through several public locations while potentially contagious. The known exposure sites and times were:

• Dulles International Airport (June 17, 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.): The person traveled through Concourse C, the International Arrivals Building, and baggage claim areas.
• Mary’s Center urgent care clinic (June 17, 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.): Located on Ontario Road in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Northwest D.C.

Anyone who was in these areas during the specified windows is being advised to monitor for symptoms.

Why Measles Is So Concerning

Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily through the air via coughing, sneezing, and even breathing. That makes shared public spaces like airports and clinics particularly high-risk for transmission.

Early symptoms to watch for include:

• A fever above 101 degrees
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• A rash on the face or body

Importantly, symptoms can take time to appear — developing anywhere from seven to 21 days after exposure. This delayed onset means those potentially exposed should remain vigilant for several weeks.

Who Is Protected

Health officials offered reassurance for many residents. Generally, people who have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or who were born before 1957, are considered protected against the disease.

Those who are not fully vaccinated, however, are encouraged to contact their health providers for guidance.

A Growing National Trend

This case arrives amid a troubling nationwide resurgence of measles. According to the CDC, more than 2,000 measles cases have been confirmed across the country so far this year.

The trend is visible locally as well. This marks the fourth measles case Maryland officials have reported in 2026, following three cases the state reported in April. Virginia has also seen activity, having confirmed a case earlier this year involving a traveler who passed through Dulles Airport on April 23 and 24.

Staying Safe

As measles cases continue to climb, health officials stress the importance of vaccination and awareness. Anyone who may have been exposed at the identified locations should monitor their health closely, stay home if symptoms appear, and reach out to a medical provider rather than visiting a clinic unannounced — helping to prevent further spread of this highly contagious disease.

This is a developing public health situation, and residents are encouraged to follow updates from their local health agencies for the latest guidance.