Multiple measles cases confirmed in DC: Check potential exposure sites and dates

DC Health said Saturday it was notified of multiple confirmed cases of measles in the District.

While officials did not specify exactly how many cases there are, they are the first to be confirmed in D.C. in 2026, according to the Johns Hopkins U.S. Measles Tracker. News4 has reached out to DC Health to ask how many cases were identified and is waiting to hear back.

Here’s where and when DC Health says people may have been exposed:

• Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• National March for Life Rally and Concert. Friday, Jan. 23 from 11 a.m. 5 p.m.
• Catholic University of America, Garvey Hall. Saturday, Jan. 24 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 25 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Catholic University of America, Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center. Saturday, Jan. 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 25 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Catholic University of America, St. Vincent de Paul Chapel. Sunday, Jan. 25 from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
• Red Line train from Brookland – CUA transferring at Gallery Place – Chinatown to the Yellow Line train heading towards Huntington. Monday Jan. 26, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Monday, Jan. 26, 12:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Yellow Line train from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport transferring at Gallery Place – Chinatown to the Red Line train heading towards Glenmont. Monday, Jan. 26, 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Red Line train from Brookland – CUA heading towards Shady Grove. Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 1:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Union Station Amtrak Concourse. Tuesday, Jan. 27, 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 176, Northbound from Washington Union Station. Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Children’s National Medical Center Emergency Department. Monday, Feb. 2, 11:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m.

Measles is considered highly contagious and can be spread through the air when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs, DC Health says. It is also preventable with the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Nine out of 10 unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles will become infected, according to DC Health. The U.S. is currently on the verge of losing its measles elimination status as vaccine hesitancy gains traction in many American communities.

What to do if you’re exposed

Anyone who has not received a measles containing vaccine — either the the measles, mumps,
and rubella (MMR) vaccine or a measles only vaccine — is at risk for contracting measles. People who fall into this category and have been exposed should contact their health care provider or DC Health at 844-493-2652, officials said.

Immunocompromised people who may have been exposed should check with their doctor, DC Health said, especially if symptoms start to develop.

Anyone who has had two doses of a measles containing vaccine or was born before 1957 is considered protected and does not need to take any action, according to DC Health. If you have received only one dose, you are most likely protected, but health officials advise talking to a health care provider about receiving a second dose for full immunity.

People who are at risk and have been exposed should watch out for symptoms for 21 days after the exposure. If symptoms appear, isolate immediately and then call your healthcare provider, DC Health said. If it is necessary to see the healthcare provider in person or go to the emergency room, call ahead of time so they can protect staff and other patients.

Health officials are warning about misleading information aimed at preventing measles as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports rising case numbers across the United States.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of measles develop over two stages.

The first stage typically begins seven to 14 days after exposure. Here are some common symptoms, according to DC Health:

• Fever over 101 degrees
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Cough

The second stage starts three to five days after the initial symptoms begin and is marked by a rash on the face, which then spreads to the rest of the body.

A person with measles is contagious from four days before this rash appears until four days after it appeared, according to DC Health.