Health officials trace confirmed cases to major January events
Health authorities in Washington, D.C. are warning that confirmed cases of measles may have spread during this year’s National March for Life rally and associated concert, which drew thousands of participants to the nation’s capital in late January.
The DC Department of Health said it was notified of multiple confirmed measles cases involving individuals who were contagious while visiting several locations across the District. Officials are now working to identify and notify people who may have been exposed.
Potential exposure across transit hubs and public venues
According to DC Health, possible exposure sites between January 21 and February 2 include major transportation hubs such as Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Union Station, an Amtrak Northeast Regional train, and multiple stations within the Washington Metro system.
Infected individuals also reportedly visited the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and Catholic University. Children’s National Hospital issued a public notice after a confirmed measles case from Virginia visited its emergency department while contagious on February 2.
Largest U.S. measles outbreak in decades
The warnings come amid the largest measles outbreak in the United States in decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 733 confirmed cases across 20 states so far this year. According to the agency, 95% of cases involve people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
South Carolina remains a major hotspot. Since October 2025, the state has reported 920 confirmed cases, with the outbreak centered in Spartanburg. Health officials there continue to warn of potential exposures in public locations, including retail stores and government offices.
Vaccination urged as global scrutiny grows
Federal health officials are urging Americans to ensure they are vaccinated against measles. Speaking on CNN’s State of the Union, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz emphasized that measles immunization guidance has not changed, despite recent rollbacks in recommendations for other vaccines.
International health authorities are also monitoring the situation closely. The World Health Organization’s Pan American Health Organization has invited the United States to an April review of its measles elimination status, warning the country could lose its designation as having eradicated the disease.
DC Health advises anyone who may have been exposed and is not fully vaccinated, or who has a weakened immune system, to contact their health care provider or the health department immediately.