Confirmed Cases of measles in NOVA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6, 2014

For More Information Contact

Lorrie Andrew-Spear – 703-530-2627

Northern Region Public Information Officer

VIRGINIA HEALTH OFFICIALS INVESTIGATING

POTENTIAL MEASLES EXPOSURES IN TWO COUNTIES

doctor-flickr-Lauren Nelson

Northern Virginia Health Departments Are Working Together to Identify People Who Are at Risk

(Leesburg, Va.)— Out of an abundance of caution, the Loudoun and Fairfax County Health Departments are informing people who were at various locations in Loudoun County and Fairfax County between April 23 and May 1, 2014 that they may have been exposed to a person with measles. Northern Virginia area health officials are mounting a coordinated effort to identify people who may have been exposed. Listed below are the dates, times and locations of the potential exposure sites associated with the case of measles:

  • Lotte Plaza, 13955 Metrotech Drive, Chantilly, VA 20151, Wednesday, April 23 between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
  • Chantilly Department of Motor Vehicles, 14950 Northridge Drive, Chantilly VA 20151, Friday, April 25 between 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
  • CVS Pharmacy, 24795 Pinebrook Road, Chantilly, VA 20152,

o   Sunday, April 27 between 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

o   Tuesday, April 29 between 3:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

  • Inova Dulles South Urgent Care Center and other businesses at 24801 Pinebrook Road, Chantilly, VA 20152, Sunday, April 27 between 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
  • Harris Teeter, 25401 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, Chantilly, VA 20152, Sunday, April 27 between 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
  • South Riding Pediatrics and other businesses at 25055 Riding Plaza, South Riding, VA 20152

o   Monday, April 28 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

o   Tuesday, April 29 between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

o   Wednesday, April 30 between 3:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

  • Target, 14391 Chantilly Crossing Lane, Chantilly, VA 20151, Monday, April 28 between 11:30 a.m.  and 3:00 p.m.
  • Home Depot, 25000 Riding Plaza, Chantilly, VA 20152,Wednesday, April 30 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
  • Inova Dulles South Radiology Imaging Center and other businesses at 24801 Pinebrook Road, Chantilly VA 20152, Wednesday, April 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Inova Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042, between Wednesday, April 30 at 5 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, May 1 in the following units/rooms only:
  • Pediatric Medical and Surgery
  • Rooms 319 to 322 of Labor and Delivery
  • Psychiatry
  • O3 Family Centered Care
  • Apheresis
  • Diagnostic Radiology

Measles is a highly contagious illness that is spread through coughing, sneezing, and contact with secretions from the nose, mouth, and throat of an infected individual. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes and a cough.  The second stage begins around the third to seventh day when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads over the entire body.    Based on the date of exposure, we have determined that if you were infected with measles, you may develop symptoms as late as May 22, 2014.

What should you do if you were at one of the above locations at the time specified?

*   If you have received at least one dose of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine in the past, your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low.

*   If you have never received MMR vaccine, you may be at risk of measles.  If you notice the symptoms of measles, immediately limit your exposure to others. Please call your primary health care provider to discuss further care. Call aheadbefore going to the office or the emergency room and tell your primary health care provider’s office that you were exposed to measles.

Measles is easily preventable through safe and effective MMR vaccine. The best protection against future measles cases is the on-time vaccination of all susceptible persons. Two doses are recommended for most individuals with the first dose given at age 12-15 months and the second prior to kindergarten entry (age 4-6 years).

While few measles cases are reported in the U.S., the disease is common in many parts of the world, including popular tourist destinations. All persons who will be traveling internationally should be evaluated for measles immunity and vaccinated as needed.

Residents with additional questions about this measles investigation can call 1-877-275-8343 (within Virginia). For more information on measles, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/Epidemiology/factsheets/Measles.htm.

About Meghan

I like blues, punk, crime drama, mysteries, knitting, science fiction, having boys, and keeping active. I am a cat person, although I think dogs should have equal opportunities. When I'm not here, you'll find me on our main site, or out and about with my kids!

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