Measles Outbreak Prompts Guidance On Vaccinations In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Alexandria Health Department is stepping up calls for residents to take precautions against measles in light of the recent outbreak. The United States has seen the highest number of cases since 1994, but no cases have been confirmed in Virginia so far. Five cases were confirmed in Maryland.

Measles is highly contagious and is spread through direct contact or the air when a person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after the infected person leaves.

The vaccination is considered the best protection against measles. A person could need a booster shot if he or she did not follow the recommended vaccination schedule. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, school-age children and adults in high risk areas for measles are protected if they had two doses of measles-containing vaccine. One dose can protect preschool-age children and adults in low-risk areas.

You can check your vaccination records, or a doctor can perform a blood test to see if you're immune to measles. Adults and children over six months should be vaccinated before traveling, especially abroad. According to data from the Washington Post, travel has caused cases of measles to spread to different areas of the U.S.

Common symptoms of the disease are fever, cough, runny nose or red eyes, followed by a rash. If you are experiencing measles symptoms or may have been exposed during travel, call your doctor. This can allow doctors to take steps to ensure others won't be exposed.