Exposed to measles? Find out if you’re at risk after a recent case
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Attention, GrayViners—a new health alert has surfaced, and it’s something you’ll want to pay attention to.
If you’ve recently traveled by train or visited certain public places, you may have unknowingly been exposed to measles.
Health officials have confirmed another case and are urging potential contacts to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
Measles spreads more easily than many people realize, and even brief exposure in shared spaces could put you at risk.
With cases on the rise, it’s important to know what to watch for and how to protect yourself—especially if you haven’t checked your vaccination status in a while.
The journey of the measles case
On March 19, an individual with measles traveled aboard Amtrak’s Northeast Regional 175 train between 7:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m., arriving at Washington, DC’s Union Station.
While it’s unclear where they first boarded, the train originated in Boston and passed through major cities, including New York City, Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore.
But that wasn’t the only stop.
On March 22, the same individual visited MedStar Urgent Care in the Adams Morgan neighborhood between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.
If you were at either of these locations during these times, health officials recommend staying alert for symptoms and contacting your healthcare provider or the DC health department at 844-493-2652 if you suspect exposure.
Measles cases in the US have surged in 2025, reaching the highest yearly count since 2019, according to the CDC.
Most cases trace back to a Texas outbreak infecting over 300 people and causing one child’s death, with another fatal case reported in New Mexico.
Here’s the good news—if you’re vaccinated, you already have a strong layer of protection.
The measles vaccine, given as part of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) shot, is highly effective.
According to health experts, two doses provide about 97% protection, while one dose offers around 93%.
Measles cases have been increasing in recent months.
As of March 21, the CDC reported at least 377 confirmed cases across 16 states this year—the highest since 2019.
Health officials note that some cases have been identified in areas with lower vaccination rates.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses out there, spreading through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks.
Alarmingly, it can linger in the air for up to two hours after the person has left.
Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include:
Beyond discomfort, measles can lead to serious complications, including brain swelling, cognitive issues, deafness, and, in severe cases, even death.
The CDC warns that about 1 in 1,000 children with measles will develop brain swelling, and up to 3 in 1,000 may die from the disease.
If you believe you were exposed—especially if you are unvaccinated, pregnant, or have a weakened immune system—seek medical advice right away.
Health officials are actively working to track and contain the virus, and staying informed is the best way to protect yourself and those around you.
For our readers at The GrayVine, we know that staying healthy and informed is a top priority.
If you’re unsure about your vaccination status, consider checking with your healthcare provider. Sharing this information with family and friends can also help spread awareness and prevent further cases.
Read next: A critical misstep or simple error? What the USDA is trying to fix
Were you on the Amtrak Northeast Regional 175 train during this time? Have you or a loved one ever dealt with measles? Do you have tips for staying healthy while traveling? Share your experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
If you’ve recently traveled by train or visited certain public places, you may have unknowingly been exposed to measles.
Health officials have confirmed another case and are urging potential contacts to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
Measles spreads more easily than many people realize, and even brief exposure in shared spaces could put you at risk.
With cases on the rise, it’s important to know what to watch for and how to protect yourself—especially if you haven’t checked your vaccination status in a while.
Stay informed and take precautions—here’s what you need to know about the recent measles exposure. Image Source: YouTube / CBS News.
The journey of the measles case
On March 19, an individual with measles traveled aboard Amtrak’s Northeast Regional 175 train between 7:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m., arriving at Washington, DC’s Union Station.
While it’s unclear where they first boarded, the train originated in Boston and passed through major cities, including New York City, Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore.
But that wasn’t the only stop.
On March 22, the same individual visited MedStar Urgent Care in the Adams Morgan neighborhood between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.
If you were at either of these locations during these times, health officials recommend staying alert for symptoms and contacting your healthcare provider or the DC health department at 844-493-2652 if you suspect exposure.
Measles cases in the US have surged in 2025, reaching the highest yearly count since 2019, according to the CDC.
Most cases trace back to a Texas outbreak infecting over 300 people and causing one child’s death, with another fatal case reported in New Mexico.
Also read: Measles cases surge: Know the US states reporting infections
Vaccination: A key layer of protection
Here’s the good news—if you’re vaccinated, you already have a strong layer of protection.
The measles vaccine, given as part of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) shot, is highly effective.
According to health experts, two doses provide about 97% protection, while one dose offers around 93%.
Health officials are monitoring potential measles exposure after a confirmed case linked to Amtrak travel to Washington, DC. Image Source: YouTube / FOX 5 New York.
Measles cases have been increasing in recent months.
As of March 21, the CDC reported at least 377 confirmed cases across 16 states this year—the highest since 2019.
Health officials note that some cases have been identified in areas with lower vaccination rates.
Also read: Retro revival gone wrong: Why a dangerous health trend has experts concerned
Understanding measles and its symptoms
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses out there, spreading through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks.
Alarmingly, it can linger in the air for up to two hours after the person has left.
Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- A distinct rash that spreads across the body
Beyond discomfort, measles can lead to serious complications, including brain swelling, cognitive issues, deafness, and, in severe cases, even death.
The CDC warns that about 1 in 1,000 children with measles will develop brain swelling, and up to 3 in 1,000 may die from the disease.
What to do if you may have been exposed
If you believe you were exposed—especially if you are unvaccinated, pregnant, or have a weakened immune system—seek medical advice right away.
Health officials are actively working to track and contain the virus, and staying informed is the best way to protect yourself and those around you.
For our readers at The GrayVine, we know that staying healthy and informed is a top priority.
If you’re unsure about your vaccination status, consider checking with your healthcare provider. Sharing this information with family and friends can also help spread awareness and prevent further cases.
Read next: A critical misstep or simple error? What the USDA is trying to fix
Were you on the Amtrak Northeast Regional 175 train during this time? Have you or a loved one ever dealt with measles? Do you have tips for staying healthy while traveling? Share your experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
