Washington DC - Health officials have issued a warning about a potential measles outbreak in the Washington DC area. A confirmed case of measles has been reported in a person who traveled through DC area airports, prompting an alert to residents and travelers alike.

According to DC Health, the potential exposure occurred in the international arrivals area of the main terminal at Dulles International Airport. This has raised concerns about the possible spread of the disease, given the high traffic volume at these transportation hubs.

Reports from various sources, including The New York Post and Fox News, indicate that the potential exposure also extended to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Virginia health officials have urged people who were recently at either airport to be cautious.

ABC News reports that health officials are asking recent travelers out of these two D.C. airports to proceed with caution as they may have potentially been exposed to measles.

The British Medical Journal has also reported on the situation, noting that the measles symptoms usually occur within 10 to 12 days after exposure, but can appear as early as 7 days or as late as 21 days after exposure.

This situation comes as Philadelphia reports an outbreak of measles. Travelers through DC airports are being warned of possible exposure, highlighting the contagious nature of this disease.

Health officials have advised those who were at Dulles International Airport on January 3rd or at Reagan National Airport on January 4th to check their vaccination status and be aware of any symptoms.

The symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, followed by a rash that typically spreads from the head to the rest of the body.