Measles is one of the standard viral diseases of childhood.

The virus spreads through the respiratory system via aerosol droplets and respiratory secretions which can remain infectious for several hours.

A woman infected with this contagious and potentially dangerous disease, traveled through the District and Maryland after flying into Dulles International Airport and was considered “ground zero” for this recent strain of the epidemic.

The viral disease causes serious medical complications – such as pneumonia and encephalitis — in 20 percent of patients, especially children under 5 and adults older than 20. Measles infection in a pregnant woman can lead to miscarriage, premature birth or a low-birth weight baby.

A recent rise in infection this year has prompted this decision on measles vaccine requirement.