WASHINGTON — District health officials are investigating a confirmed case of measles linked to a person who attended the National March for Life and spent several days traveling through high-traffic locations across Washington.
The individual, who was later diagnosed with measles, was in Washington during the week of the annual anti-abortion rally, a gathering that draws tens of thousands of people from across the country. Vice President JD Vance addressed the crowd prior to a march up Capitol Hill to the Supreme Court.
Health officials said they are working with regional and federal partners to identify and notify people who may have been exposed. They urged anyone who develops symptoms — including fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes or a rash — to contact a health care provider before seeking in-person care, to avoid further spread.
Officials said anyone who was at the following locations during the specified times may have been exposed:
- Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20017 — Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- National March for Life Rally and Concert — Friday, Jan. 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Catholic University of America, Garvey Hall — Saturday, Jan. 24 from noon to 3 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 25 from noon to 3 p.m.
- Catholic University of America, Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center — Saturday, Jan. 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 25 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Catholic University of America, St. Vincent de Paul Chapel — Sunday, Jan. 25 from 9 p.m. to midnight
- Washington Metro Area Transit, Red Line train from Brookland-CUA station transferring at Gallery Place-Chinatown to the Yellow Line toward Huntington — Monday, Jan. 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport — Monday, Jan. 26 from 12:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Washington Metro Area Transit, Yellow Line from Reagan National Airport transferring at Gallery Place-Chinatown to the Red Line toward Glenmont — Monday, Jan. 26 from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Washington Metro Area Transit, Red Line from Brookland-CUA station toward Shady Grove — Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 1:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Amtrak Concourse, Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20002 — Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 176, northbound from Washington Union Station — Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Children’s National Medical Center, Emergency Department, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20010 — Monday, Feb. 2 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
The March for Life, held annually near the National Mall, has become one of the largest recurring demonstrations in Washington. Public health experts say large, densely packed gatherings increase the risk of transmission for airborne illnesses, particularly when participants travel long distances and then disperse across the country.
Health officials emphasized that measles is preventable through vaccination and said people who have received two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine are considered protected. Those who are unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status were urged to contact a health provider promptly if they believe they may have been exposed.
The case comes amid renewed national concern about measles outbreaks, which have increased in recent years as vaccination rates have slipped in some communities.
