A passenger infected with measles traveled aboard Amtrak’s Northeast Regional 175 between New York and Washington D.C. on March 19, Amtrak confirmed. The train made stops at several New Jersey stations, including Newark Penn Station, Metropark in Iselin, and Trenton, before continuing on to Philadelphia.
Amtrak has contacted passengers from the train to notify them about the possible measles exposure. The individual, a Minnesota resident, later visited an urgent care facility in Washington D.C. on March 22. Health officials confirmed the person was fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine, which provides 97% protection after two doses.
Measles spreads rapidly through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even breathes. Those with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after.
As of March 20, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 378 confirmed cases of measles in the U.S., including 64 hospitalizations and two deaths. People born before 1957 and those who have been vaccinated are not at risk, according to the D.C. Department of Health.
While the investigation continues to determine how the passenger contracted the virus, health officials confirmed the individual flew from Minnesota to Reagan National Airport but was not contagious during the flight or while in Minnesota.
The D.C. Department of Health also issued warnings for individuals who may have been at the Amtrak concourse in D.C. between 11 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. on March 20 or at MedStar Urgent Care on Columbia Road from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on March 22.
Measles cases were also reported in New Jersey last month, highlighting the ongoing risk of measles exposure in the state.
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