Measles Exposure Alert: Amtrak Passenger Travels from NY to DC While Contagious

Travel and Exposure Details:

The confirmed measles case involved travel on Amtrak Northeast Regional train 175 on the evening of March 19th. While originating in Boston, the infected passenger boarded in New York City and traveled south, arriving at Union Station in Washington D.C. around 1:30 a.m. on March 20th. The train made several stops in New Jersey, including Newark Penn Station, Newark Liberty International Airport, Metropark, New Brunswick, Princeton Junction, and Trenton, potentially exposing individuals at these stations as well. Subsequent exposures may have occurred at the MedStar Urgent Care in D.C. and Capital Health Medical Center's ER in Pennington, NJ, on March 22nd.

The National Measles Context:

This incident is not isolated. The CDC has reported a concerning rise in measles cases nationwide in 2025, with numbers already surpassing 370. This uptick follows a significant outbreak in Texas (over 300 cases, one child death) and cases in at least 16 states, including an adult death in New Mexico. Health officials partly attribute this resurgence to declining childhood vaccination rates, which haven't fully recovered since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Understanding Measles:

Measles is a viral respiratory illness characterized by high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, followed by a distinctive rash 3-5 days later. It is incredibly contagious, spreading through airborne droplets from coughs or sneezes, and the virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours. The incubation period is typically 7-14 days but can be up to 21 days. While often associated with childhood, measles can cause serious complications in unvaccinated individuals of any age, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling leading to potential brain damage), and even death (1-3 fatalities per 1,000 cases in children).

Prevention Through Vaccination:

The MMR vaccine remains the cornerstone of measles prevention. It is safe and highly effective – two doses provide about 97% protection, and one dose provides about 93%. Public health experts recommend a community vaccination rate of 95% to achieve herd immunity and prevent widespread outbreaks. Individuals unsure of their vaccination status, particularly adults vaccinated between 1963 and 1967 (when earlier, less effective vaccines might have been used), should consult their healthcare provider.

What should I do if I was on Amtrak train 175 (NY to DC) on March 19th or at the specified locations?

You should monitor yourself for measles symptoms (high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, rash) until April 10th (for train exposure) or April 12th (for NJ hospital exposure). If symptoms develop, isolate yourself immediately and contact your healthcare provider *before* visiting, informing them of the potential exposure. Confirm your MMR vaccination status with your doctor. D.C. Health can also be contacted at 844-493-2652.

How contagious is measles?

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known. It spreads easily through the air, and up to 9 out of 10 susceptible (unvaccinated) people exposed to an infected person will contract the disease. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.

How effective is the measles vaccine (MMR)?

The MMR vaccine is very effective. Two doses are approximately 97% effective at preventing measles for life. One dose is about 93% effective.

Are you concerned about the rise in measles cases? Let us know your thoughts!

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