According to the department, at least 10 locations have been flagged as possible measles exposure sites. Individuals who were present at these venues during the listed times may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus. The sites include Harris Teeter at 10060 Market Circle in Manassas between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13; Walmart at 9401 Liberia Avenue between 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. the same day; and Marco’s Pizza at 9223 Sudley Road between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 13.
Additional locations identified by health officials include Bull Run Unitarian Universalists at 9350 Main Street between 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14; Best Buy Outlet at 7665 Sudley Road between 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. that afternoon; and Mountaintop Church at 9213 Center Street, where potential exposure may have occurred from 4:30 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Saturday and again from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15.
The list also includes Lidl at 9795 Liberia Avenue between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Target at 9900 Sowder Village Square between 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. that evening, a medical center at 7051 Heathcote Village Way in Gainesville between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16, and an office building at 2800 Eisenhower Avenue in Alexandria between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Public health officials emphasized that measles symptoms can take time to appear and advised anyone potentially exposed to watch for signs of infection for up to 21 days. Early symptoms typically include fever, runny nose, red eyes and cough. In the later phase of the illness, patients often develop a red, blotchy rash that spreads across the body and lasts five to six days, along with small white spots that may appear inside the mouth.
Residents who begin experiencing symptoms are advised to isolate at home immediately and avoid public spaces to prevent further spread. Health authorities also recommend contacting a healthcare provider in advance before visiting any medical facility so that appropriate precautions can be taken.
Officials noted that individuals who have received two doses of the measles vaccine or who were born before 1957 are generally considered protected. Those unsure of their vaccination status can verify their records through the Virginia Department of Health’s online immunization portal. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed is encouraged to report their situation through the department’s online survey to assist with contact tracing and public health response.
The Virginia Department of Health continues to monitor the situation closely and is urging the public to remain vigilant as the investigation into the Northern Virginia measles cases continues.
