E-Paper
Washington Dulles International Airport on red alert after passenger imports lethal disease
Washington Dulles International Airport has been put on a red alert, with experts issuing warning to the passengers about potential measles outbreak.
Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia has been put on a red alert, with health experts issuing warning to the passengers about potential measles outbreak.
The warning comes after the extremely contagious respiratory infection was detected in a traveler arriving on an overseas flight, Daily Mail reported.
Washington Dulles International Airport: Advisories and alerts
The passengers, who were in the baggage claim area of Terminal A at Washington Dulles on March 5 between the hours of 4 and 9 pm, have been alerted that they may be at high risk of contracting the virus.
Meanwhile, officials advised the patients, who visited the pediatric emergency department at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center in Maryland on March 7, to look out for symptoms.
According to Daily Mail, 3 cases of measles have been reported at US international airports in less than two weeks. The two other airports which saw the arrival of infected passengers include Los Angeles and JFK in New York.
It has been recommended that travelers who are concerned that they may have encountered the patient at Washington Dulles verify whether they have received a measles vaccination.
Experts caution that declining vaccination rates make the US susceptible to measles outbreaks at the moment.
Following the tragic passing of an unvaccinated toddler in West Texas, the US reported its killing from measles in ten years. The sickness is also believed to have claimed the life of a second sufferer in New Mexico.
Also Read: Trump warns government ‘shutdown is possible’ as Republicans unveil six-month stopgap spending bill
Know about measles symptoms
Measles can spread through the air when an infected individual breathes, coughs, or sneezes, or it can be contracted directly from infectious droplets.
The disease results in ear infections, high temperature, and small white spots within the mouth as well as flat red patches on the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.
In severe situations, measles can result in pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.
Measles initially displays cold-like symptoms like fever, coughing, and a runny or plugged nose.
