A measles case has been confirmed in a traveler who rode Amtrak’s Northeast Regional Train 175 to Washington, D.C., prompting health officials to notify passengers of possible exposure.
The D.C. Department of Health (DC Health) reported that the infected individual visited multiple locations while contagious, including:
- Amtrak Train 175 (southbound) and Union Station on March 19
- MedStar Urgent Care in Adams Morgan on March 22
DC Health is now contacting individuals who may have been exposed at these locations.
Who Is at Risk?
Health officials warn that those who are not immune—including unvaccinated individuals or those who have never had measles—are at the highest risk of infection.
The infected person is a Minnesota resident who recently traveled internationally. The Minnesota Department of Health confirmed on March 24 that the traveler was not infectious while in Minnesota or on their flight to Reagan National Airport.
“We are still investigating where this person acquired measles,” said Jayne Griffith, epidemiologist at the Minnesota Department of Health.
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Vaccinated Individuals and Breakthrough Cases
Health officials confirmed that the infected individual was fully vaccinated with the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. While breakthrough infections are rare, they can occur. However, the CDC states that vaccinated individuals who contract measles typically experience milder symptoms and are less likely to spread the virus.
Amtrak and NYC Health Respond
Amtrak acknowledged the situation and confirmed they are directly notifying customers who were on Train 175 on March 19.
“DC Public Health has notified Amtrak of a confirmed case of measles in a customer traveling on Amtrak Train 175 from New York to Washington Union Station,” Amtrak said in a statement.
The New York City Department of Health also confirmed awareness of the case and stated that they are communicating with D.C. health officials regarding the incident.
Measles Cases on the Rise in the U.S.
The CDC reports 378 measles cases so far this year across 17 states:
- Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, and Washington.
However, experts believe this is likely an undercount, as state reporting delays may mean additional cases have yet to be included.
Protecting Yourself: MMR Vaccine Recommendations
Health officials urge those who have never been vaccinated to receive the MMR vaccine to protect against measles.
The CDC recommends:
- Two doses of the MMR vaccine
- First dose: Between 12–15 months old
- Second dose: Between 4–6 years old
- Effectiveness:
- One dose: 93% effective
- Two doses: 97% effective
Most vaccinated adults do not require a booster shot.
What to Do If You May Have Been Exposed
If you were in Union Station, on Amtrak Train 175, or visited MedStar Urgent Care on the affected dates and are not vaccinated, health officials advise:
- Checking for symptoms (fever, cough, rash, runny nose, red eyes)
- Seeking medical advice immediately
- Staying home and avoiding contact with others if symptoms develop
For further updates, visit the CDC’s measles information page or contact your local health department.
