A passenger traveling on an Amtrak train from Boston to Washington D.C. has been diagnosed with measles, prompting health officials to issue an alert to other travelers who may have been exposed. The incident has raised particular concerns for unvaccinated individuals who could be at risk of contracting the highly contagious virus.
The infected passenger boarded the Northeast Regional Amtrak train at Boston’s South Station on Wednesday evening, March 19, at 7:30 PM, and arrived at Washington D.C.’s Union Station in the early hours of Thursday at 1:30 AM. Three days later, the individual sought medical treatment, where health officials confirmed the measles diagnosis.
Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a distinctive rash that starts on the face and spreads downward. Unvaccinated individuals, including those who have never received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, are most vulnerable.
The D.C. Department of Health is advising passengers who were on the same train to monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days following potential exposure. Anyone who develops symptoms should isolate immediately and contact a healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility to prevent further spread.
This is not the first measles case linked to Amtrak travel. A similar incident occurred about a decade ago when an infected passenger traveled to New York’s Penn Station. The recurrence underscores the importance of vaccination, especially in confined spaces like trains where diseases can spread quickly.
Amtrak has not yet commented on this specific incident. However, the company’s existing Illness Waiver Policy allows passengers to cancel or reschedule trips with a doctor’s note if they are too sick to travel. The policy applies to all members of the sick passenger’s travel group, though standard “no-show” tickets remain non-refundable if not canceled in advance.
Passengers who were on the affected train should check their vaccination status, watch for symptoms, and seek medical advice if they feel unwell. Health officials are working to identify and notify anyone who may have had close contact with the infected individual.
The measles case adds to Amtrak’s recent challenges, including leadership changes and ongoing discussions about the company’s future. For now, travelers are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect their health and the well-being of others.
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