United States: A traveler diagnosed with measles journeyed aboard Amtrak’s Northeast Regional 175, departing from New York and bound for Washington DC on March 19, as confirmed by Amtrak. The route included multiple stops in New Jersey, notably Newark Penn Station, Metropark in Iselin, and Trenton, before proceeding to Philadelphia.
In response, Amtrak promptly notified passengers regarding potential exposure to the virus. The individual, identified as a Minnesota resident, sought medical attention at a Washington DC urgent care facility on March 22. Health officials verified that the patient was fully immunized with the MMR vaccine, offering approximately 97% protection upon completion of two doses.
Measles, a highly contagious airborne disease, transmits effortlessly through respiratory droplets from infected individuals when they cough, sneeze, or exhale. An individual with measles remains contagious from four days prior to the appearance of a rash until four days following its emergence, according to thedigestonline.com.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of March 20, there were 378 confirmed measles cases in the United States, leading to 64 hospitalizations and two fatalities. The DC Department of Health has emphasized that those vaccinated or born before 1957 are generally considered immune.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the source of the infection. It has been confirmed that the infected passenger traveled by air from Minnesota to Reagan National Airport, though they were not contagious during the flight or while in Minnesota, as per thedigestonline.com.
The DC Department of Health has also issued advisories for individuals who may have been present at the Amtrak concourse in Washington DC between 11 pm and 1:30 am on March 20 or at MedStar Urgent Care on Columbia Road from 7 pm to 11 pm on March 22.
Additionally, measles cases have recently emerged in New Jersey, underscoring the persistent threat of exposure within the region.