Measles Exposure Possible At 2 Fairfax County Locations

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — The Fairfax County Health Department is investigating a measles case and is notifying residents about potential exposures at two locations in early February. Measles is a highly contagious infection but can be prevented with a vaccine typically received during childhood.

The first location of potential exposures with a confirmed case of measles is Grand Centreville Plaza, (13880 Braddock Rd Centreville, VA) on Feb. 1 from 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Feb. 3 from 2:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. The second location is Inova Fairfax Hospital at the pediatric and adult emergency departments (3300 Gallows Road Falls Church, VA) on Feb. 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The health department shared the times and locations of the potential exposures "out of an abundance of caution." If someone was infected with measles, they could develop symptoms as late as Feb. 24, according to the health department.

If someone believes they are exposed, the response needed will depend on their vaccination status. The health department says anyone who has taken two doses of a measles-containing vaccine (including the measles, mumps, and rubella [MMR] vaccine) are considered protected and do not need to do anything. Those with one dose of a measles-containing vaccine are likely protected and have a low risk of becoming infected. However, they are encouraged to contact a doctor about getting a second dose.

Anyone who hasn't received a measles vaccine may be at risk of becoming infected with measles. Residents may contact their health care provider or the health department for advice on reducing risk of becoming infected. Those who become aware of symptoms are urged to stay away from others and contact their health care provider. Residents with symptoms should call ahead before visiting a health care provider or emergency room.

Measles is a highly contagious and is spread through coughing, sneezing, or contact with droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat of an infected person. Measles symptoms typically show up in two stages. The first stage involved a fever over 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes and a cough. The second stage starts around the third to seventh day with a rash appearing on the face and spreading to the body. The rash may last five to six days.

While measles isn't common in the U.S., it is most common in unvaccinated infants, children and teens, according to the Virginia Department of Health. Adults with a higher risk may include college students, international travelers, and health care workers. A measles-containing vaccine, or the measles, mumps, and rubella [MMR] vaccine, is typically given at ages 12 to 15 months for the first dose and ages 4 to 6 (before kindergarten) for the second dose. Once a person has measles, they cannot get infected again.