A confirmed measles case in the DC area has potentially exposed people at a grocery store in Arlington, VA, and two locations in Washington, D.C. Health officials advise monitoring for symptoms until July 23 if exposed, unless vaccinated. Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious health complications, especially in young children. The CDC emphasizes the importance of the MMR vaccine for protection.
The annual District analysis revealed that rates of syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections in D.C. did not return to pre-pandemic levels in 2022, attributed to lingering covid-era challenges such as service interruptions and increased homelessness. New cases of HIV are down slightly, but syphilis cases among women and babies are up. Public health officials are working to boost access to care, especially for Black residents, by meeting people where they are and recruiting artists to share messages about prevention and treatment. The District is also experimenting with new ways to spread hopeful messages and practical information, and having success with a federally funded pilot program for residents on PrEP.
