Health officials have confirmed five cases of measles in the D.C. metro area, and released a list of potential exposure sites to the public. Measles is a highly contagious disease that has been technically eradicated in this country since 2000, so any reported cases at all are taken very seriously. WTOP has been all over this story today.
The list of potential exposure sites includes stores and restaurants in the District and Arlington and Montgomery counties. People who were at any of these locations on these dates and during the specified times may have been exposed to measles, and are asked to call their respective health departments. If you were both at one of these locations and are experiencing symptoms such as rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, or red, watery eyes, you’re asked to call ahead before showing up at the doctor or emergency room so steps can be taken to avoid putting other people at risk.
D.C.
Saturday, April 4
Pot Belly Restaurant (Near Federal Center Metro) 409 3rd Street SW, 3:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
Wednesday, April 8
Safeway Grocery Store, 401 M Street SW 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Friday, April 10
Safeway Grocery Store, 401 M Street SW 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
If you think you may have been exposed during these dates and times, call 311 if you are a D.C. resident, or the D.C. Department of Health at (202) 737-4404.
Maryland
Saturday, April 4
Bethesda – Used Book Fair at Stone Ridge School, 9101 Rockville Pike 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Rockville – Vegetable Garden Restaurant, 11618 Rockville Pike 12-3 p.m.
Rockville – Jiffy Lube, 5535 Nicholson Lane 1-3:30 p.m.
If you think you may have been exposed in Maryland, call the Montgomery County Health Department at (240) 777-4200.
Virginia
Sunday, April 5
Saigon Saigon Restaurant (Pentagon Row), 1101 S. Joyce Street 7 p.m.-11 p.m.
Harris Teeter (Pentagon Row), 900 Army Navy Drive 9 p.m.-11:30 p.m.
If you think you may have been exposed in Virginia, call the Virginia Disease Prevention Hotline at (800) 533-4148.
Between January 1 and July 31, 2008, 131 U.S. cases of measles were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as compared to 158 cases during the entire period between 2004-2007. A quick search reveals that other measles outbreaks have been reported recently in Pittsburgh and Spencer, Ia.
