Alexandria health department warns of new measles exposure sites in northern Virginia
Officials urge anyone present at five locations to fill out survey for Fairfax County Health Department
The Alexandria Health Department is alerting residents to a new set of potential measles exposure sites across northern Virginia, including an apartment complex, restaurants, and retail stores in Herndon, Reston, and Fairfax.
Health officials identified five locations where the public may have been exposed to a confirmed measles case between Jan. 23 and Jan. 31. The sites include the Ian Apartment Complex at 2249 Woodland Grove Place in Herndon at any time during that span, Kumo Sushi at 2338 Woodland Crossing Drive in Herndon between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Jan. 24, Target at 12197 Sunset Hills Road in Reston between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Jan. 25, Harris Teeter at 12960 Highland Crossing Drive in Herndon between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Jan. 25, and the Fairfax County Animal Shelter’s West Ox Campus at 4500 West Ox Road in Fairfax between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Jan. 31.
In a departure from guidance issued following a previous Dulles International Airport exposure last month, officials are now asking anyone who was present at the listed locations to complete a short survey for the Fairfax County Health Department as soon as possible. Health officials said they will follow up with individuals who may need additional steps or time-sensitive treatment.
Those who have received two doses of the measles vaccine, were born before 1957, or have previously had measles are considered protected. Unvaccinated individuals born after 1957 should watch for symptoms for 21 days, including fever over 101 degrees, runny nose, cough, red or watery eyes, and rash. Anyone who develops symptoms should isolate immediately and call a doctor.
Residents can check their vaccination status through their physician or the Virginia MMR record portal.
Those with questions may email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov or call the Alexandria Health Department at 703-746-4988 during normal business hours.