DC health officials warn of measles exposures across city, including March for Life rally

Washington DC is currently under a significant public health alert. Local health authorities have confirmed multiple cases of measles within the District, prompting a wide reaching investigation into several high traffic locations where the public may have been exposed to this highly contagious virus. The potential exposure sites include major transit hubs, university buildings, and the national March for Life rally, which drew thousands of participants from across the country.

The Current Public Health Alert in Washington DC

On February 8, 2026, the DC Department of Health (DC Health) issued an urgent notification regarding three confirmed cases of measles. These individuals were infectious while visiting various landmarks and transit systems between January 21 and February 2, 2026. This situation is particularly concerning due to the sheer number of people who pass through the nation’s capital, especially during large scale events like the annual March for Life.

Public health officials are working tirelessly to trace the movements of the infected individuals and notify anyone who might be at risk. Because measles is one of the most infectious diseases known to medical science, the window for potential transmission is quite broad. DC Health has emphasized that anyone who was at the listed locations during the specified times should monitor their health closely for at least three weeks.

Detailed List of Potential Exposure Locations and Times

The following list provides the specific dates, times, and locations where exposure may have occurred. This information is critical for residents and visitors who were in the District during the latter half of January and the beginning of February.

Religious and Public Landmarks

• Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception: Located at 400 Michigan Ave. NE. Exposure window: Wednesday, January 21, from 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• National March for Life Rally and Concert: Exposure window: Friday, January 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Educational Institutions: Catholic University of America (CUA)

• Garvey Hall: Saturday, January 24, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Sunday, January 25, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center: Saturday, January 24, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday, January 25, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• St. Vincent de Paul Chapel: Sunday, January 25, from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight).
• Flather Hall: This residence hall has been identified as a site of potential exposure between January 22 and January 27.

Transportation Hubs and Transit Lines

• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): Terminal 2. Exposure window: Monday, January 26, from 12:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Washington Metro Area Transit (Red Line): Brookland CUA station to Gallery Place Chinatown station. Monday, January 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Washington Metro Area Transit (Yellow Line): Reagan National Airport to Gallery Place Chinatown station. Monday, January 26, from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Union Station (Amtrak Concourse): 50 Massachusetts Ave NE. Tuesday, January 27, starting at 1:30 p.m.
• Amtrak Northeast Regional Train: Specific train details are being clarified, but passengers traveling on January 27 are advised to be vigilant.

Healthcare Facilities

• Children’s National Hospital: Emergency Department. A confirmed case involving a Virginia resident visited this location on February 2.

The Science of Transmission: Why Measles is So Contagious

Measles is caused by a highly resilient virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. What makes this virus particularly dangerous is its ability to remain suspended in the air. When an infected person breathes or coughs, droplets enter the atmosphere and can stay infectious for up to two hours after the person has left the room.

The R0 (basic reproduction number) for measles is estimated to be between 12 and 18. This means that, in a completely susceptible population, one person with measles would, on average, infect 12 to 18 other people. This level of transmissibility is significantly higher than that of the flu or even many variants of the coronavirus. Because the virus can linger in indoor spaces, you do not need to be in direct physical contact with an infected person to contract the illness. Simply walking into a Metro station or an airport terminal shortly after they have passed through can lead to infection if you are not immune.

Recognizing Symptoms: From Early Fever to the Signature Rash

Symptoms of measles generally appear in two distinct stages. It is vital for those who may have been exposed to understand the timeline of the illness so they can seek medical advice and isolate themselves to prevent further spread.

The Prodromal Phase

The initial symptoms usually begin 7 to 14 days after exposure. This phase is often mistaken for a severe cold or the flu. Key signs include:

• High fever (often exceeding 101 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Persistent cough.
• Coryza (runny nose and congestion).
• Conjunctivitis (red, watery, and inflamed eyes).

Small white spots known as Koplik spots may also appear inside the mouth, specifically on the lining of the cheeks, about two to three days after the first symptoms begin.

The Rash Phase

The second stage starts three to five days after the initial symptoms. A characteristic maculopapular rash breaks out, usually beginning at the hairline or on the face and neck. Over the next few days, the rash spreads downward to the trunk, arms, legs, and feet. When the rash appears, a person’s fever may spike even higher, sometimes reaching 104 or 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

An infected person is considered contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after its onset. This means many people spread the virus before they even realize they have measles.

Long Term Complications and Serious Health Risks

While some may view measles as a routine childhood illness, it is a serious condition that can lead to life altering complications. The risk is highest for children under the age of five, adults over twenty, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Common Complications

• Ear Infections: Approximately one out of every ten children with measles will develop an ear infection, which can result in permanent hearing loss.
• Diarrhea: Severe diarrhea is reported in less than one in ten cases and can lead to dangerous dehydration.

Severe Complications

• Pneumonia: This is the most common cause of death from measles in young children. About one out of every twenty children with measles gets pneumonia.
• Encephalitis: Roughly one in every 1,000 children will develop swelling of the brain, which can lead to convulsions and can leave the child deaf or with intellectual disabilities.
• SSPE (Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis): This is a very rare but fatal disease of the central nervous system that results from a measles virus infection acquired earlier in life. SSPE generally develops 7 to 10 years after a person has measles, even if they seemed to have recovered fully from the initial illness.

The Critical Importance of the MMR Vaccine

The most effective way to prevent measles is through the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are approximately 97 percent effective at preventing measles, while one dose is about 93 percent effective.

Herd Immunity

Public health experts emphasize that a community needs a 95 percent vaccination rate to maintain “herd immunity.” This level of coverage prevents the virus from finding enough susceptible hosts to cause an outbreak. When vaccination rates dip below this threshold, small clusters of cases can quickly turn into widespread public health emergencies.

Vaccine Safety

The MMR vaccine has been used safely for decades. Exhaustive scientific studies have consistently shown that there is no link between the vaccine and autism. Common side effects are mild, such as a sore arm or a low grade fever. The risk of the disease far outweighs the minimal risks associated with the vaccine.

Travel Safety in the Face of an Outbreak

For those traveling through major transit corridors like the Northeast Regional Amtrak route or Washington’s Metro system, staying informed is the best defense. Travel insurance providers often see an uptick in inquiries during public health alerts as passengers weigh the risks of international and domestic travel.

If you are traveling and have not been vaccinated, you are at a significantly higher risk of infection. Before heading to high traffic areas or traveling internationally to regions with active outbreaks, consult with a healthcare professional. For infants aged 6 to 11 months who are traveling internationally, the CDC recommends an early dose of the MMR vaccine.

What to Do If You Were at an Exposure Site

If you believe you were at one of the locations listed by DC Health during the exposure window, take the following steps:

1. Check Your Records: Verify your vaccination status. If you have had two doses of the MMR vaccine or were born before 1957, you are likely immune.
2. Monitor Your Health: Keep a close watch for fever, cough, and red eyes for 21 days after your potential exposure.
3. Call Before You Visit: If you develop symptoms, do not just walk into a clinic or emergency room. Call your doctor or the health department first. This allows the facility to take precautions to prevent you from infecting others in the waiting room.
4. Contact DC Health: You can reach the District’s health department at 844-493-2652 for guidance.

National Context: The 2026 Measles Resurgence in the United States

The situation in Washington DC is part of a larger, troubling trend. As of early February 2026, the United States has seen over 730 confirmed cases across 20 states. South Carolina is currently battling a massive outbreak with over 920 cases, centered primarily in Spartanburg.

Public health officials are concerned that the US may lose its “measles elimination” status if these outbreaks continue. This status is granted to countries that have gone 12 months without continuous transmission of the virus. The rise in cases is largely attributed to declining vaccination rates in specific communities and an increase in travel related importations of the virus.

Frequently Asked Questions About the DC Measles Exposure

Is it safe to visit the National Mall?

Currently, there is no evidence that the virus is lingering in outdoor spaces like the National Mall. The primary concern is for those who were present during the specific rally window on January 23 or in the indoor locations listed by health officials.

Can I get measles if I have been vaccinated?

While it is rare, “breakthrough” infections can occur. However, vaccinated individuals who do contract measles usually have a much milder case and are less likely to spread it to others.

What is the role of the World Health Organization?

The WHO continues to monitor global measles trends. Although the United States recently formalized its withdrawal from the WHO, the organization’s Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has reached out to US officials to review the country’s elimination status in light of the 2026 outbreaks.