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A Northern Virginia child has tested positive for measles after international travel, prompting health officials to warn of possible exposures at health care facilities in Woodbridge and Falls Church.
The child, who is 4 or younger, is the third young child in Virginia diagnosed with measles this month. Officials said the latest infection is unrelated to the case announced Jan. 11.
People may have encountered the child at these locations and times:
- PM Pediatric Urgent Care, 2690 Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge, on Tuesday, Jan. 13, from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Inova Children’s Emergency Department, 3300 Gallows Road in Falls Church, on Thursday, Jan. 15, from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday, Jan. 16, from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Floors 2 through 10 of the Inova Fairfax Hospital Women’s and Children’s Building, 3300 Gallows Road in Falls Church, from Saturday, Jan. 17, at 2:30 a.m. through Sunday, Jan. 18, at 5 p.m.
Two of Virginia’s measles cases this year have involved children in Northern Virginia. The third child lives in the central part of the state.
The cases come as multiple U.S. measles outbreaks have placed the country at risk of losing its measles-free designation, according to international health authorities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines an outbreak as three or more related cases, but the agency has reported no new outbreaks this year.
What potentially exposed people should do
Anyone who may have been exposed should confirm whether they are fully vaccinated or previously had measles. Virginia residents can request their immunization records online.
People who are not fully vaccinated and have never had measles should contact a health care provider or their local health department. Post-exposure treatment may be available in some circumstances.
Health officials recommend monitoring for symptoms for 21 days. For the latest case, the most likely period for symptoms to develop is Jan. 20 through Feb. 8.
Possible symptoms include a runny nose, a fever above 101 degrees, coughing, red or watery eyes, and a rash. Anyone who develops symptoms should remain isolated at home and call a health care provider.