Author: brookiecrawford

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 3, 2025
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Health Officials Confirm Measles Case in Eastern Region
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting the state’s fourth measles case of the year. The patient is a school age child (5-12 years) in the Eastern Region who recently traveled internationally. To protect the family’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating efforts to identify anyone who might have been exposed.

Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of the potential public exposure sites in Virginia:

• Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) Health Center and Urgent Care at Loehmann’s Plaza, located at 3960 Virginia Beach Blvd in Virginia Beach Wednesday, August 27 from 5 to 8:30 p.m.
• CVS Pharmacy, located at 300 Laskin Road in Virginia Beach Thursday, August 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• CHKD Emergency Department/Hospital, located at 601 Children’s Lane in Norfolk
  • Emergency Department: Saturday, August 30 from 1:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Hospital: from Saturday, August 30 at 6 p.m. to Monday, September 1 at 6 p.m.

For the latest information on measles cases and exposures in Virginia, please visit the VDH Measles website.

What should you do if you were at the above locations on the day and time specified?

• If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.
• If you have never received a measles containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who might have been exposed and is considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider promptly to discuss any questions they might have.
• Everyone should watch for symptoms for 21 days after the date of your potential exposure. If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
• Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms.
• If you have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve the highest level of protection, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. These symptoms usually start seven to fourteen days after being exposed. The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms start, when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.

Measles is preventable through a safe and effective MMR vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. Virginia has high measles vaccination rates, with approximately 95% of kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles. However, infants who are too young to be vaccinated, and others who are not vaccinated, are very susceptible to infection if they are exposed to measles. Infants six months through 11 months of age who will be traveling internationally, or to an outbreak setting, should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.

To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request your vaccination records using the VDH Immunization Record Request Form. Virginia residents with additional questions about their potential exposure can contact their local health department or email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov.

• Virginia Beach residents may contact the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health at 757-278-6290.
• Norfolk residents may contact the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2735.

For more information about measles visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 19, 2025
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Health Officials Investigating Potential Measles Exposure in Northern Virginia
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) was notified of a confirmed case of measles that traveled through Washington Dulles International Airport Tuesday, August 12. The confirmed case is a resident of another state. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights.

Listed below is the date, time, and location of the potential exposure sites in Virginia:

• Dulles International Airport (IAD) on Tuesday, August 12: in the main terminal, at the TSA security checkpoint, in Concourse B, and on transportation from the main terminal to Concourse B between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

What should you do if you were at the above locations on the day and time specified?

• If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.
• If you have never received a measles containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who might have been exposed and is considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider promptly to discuss any questions they might have.
• Watch for symptoms for 21 days after the date of your potential exposure. If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
• Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms.
• If you have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve the highest level of protection, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. These symptoms usually start seven to fourteen days after being exposed. The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms start, when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.

Measles is preventable through a safe and effective MMR vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. Virginia has high measles vaccination rates, with approximately 95% of kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles. However, infants who are too young to be vaccinated, and others who are not vaccinated, are very susceptible to infection if they are exposed to measles. Infants six months through 11 months of age who will be traveling internationally, or to an outbreak setting, should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.

To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request your vaccination records using the VDH Immunization Record Request Form. Virginia residents with additional questions about their potential exposure can email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov or contact their local health department.

To date in 2025, Virginia has three reported cases of measles. For the latest information on measles cases and exposures in Virginia, please visit the VDH Measles website.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  – July 25, 2025
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Health Offers Safety Tips to Beat the Heat
Extreme Temperatures Return to Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. – As Virginia gets blasted with another heat wave over the next few days, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reminds everyone to take steps to avoid heat-related illness.

During these hot summer months, heat-related illnesses are a real concern. So far this year (May 1 to July 24), there were 2,883 heat-related illness visits to emergency departments (ED) and urgent cares in Virginia. June 2025 recorded more visits than any previous month since tracking began in 2015, spiking on June 24 with 249 ED and urgent care visits in a single day.

“Extreme heat can make you very sick,” said State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD. “We saw significant increases in emergency visits for heat-related illnesses in late June when temperatures and humidity surged. With the forecast calling for similar weather over the next few days, we urge everyone to be careful and take precautions. If your plan to beat the heat includes pool or beach time, please keep a close eye on children. We have seen a concerning rise in child drowning deaths this year.”

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion occur when your body is unable to cool itself. Your body sweats to cool itself. But when you sweat, you lose water and electrolytes. You must replace them to continue regulating your body temperature and keep it functioning properly. Age, weight, heart disease, poor circulation, alcohol, sunburn, and prescription drugs can also play a factor in how quickly your body can cool itself.

You can help your body stay cool with these tips:

• Drink water and plenty of it. Hydration is important. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. You need to replace the water you lose sweating.
• Stay inside. Being indoors offers air conditioning and a break from the heat. Don’t have AC? Visit 211 to find a cooling center near you. Before heading outside, check out the HeatRisk Forecast or the CDC Heat and Health Tracker. Know the difference between heat watch and heat warning.
• Limit physical activity to early morning or evening. Schedule your outdoor activities for the coolest times of the day. Take frequent breaks in the shade. Outdoor workers can prevent heat illness with acclimatization. To acclimatize, workers gradually increase their exposure time in hot environmental conditions over a seven- to 14-day period.
• Wear sunscreen. Protect your body from the sun by wearing sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher). Reapply every two hours. Wear loose lightweight clothing, sunglasses, and a sun hat for protection.
• Never leave children or pets in cars. Temperatures inside the car can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes, even with the windows cracked. Make sure pets have plenty of water and shade.
• Check on others. Learn to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses and know what to do. It could save a life. If someone has hot, red skin, a rapid, strong pulse, a body temperature of 103°F or higher, or loses consciousness, call 911 immediately. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.

In 2024, extreme heat was the leading cause of weather-related deaths. To date, Virginia has had one heat-related fatality this year.

Keep these tips in mind for a cool and healthy summer. Remember that your local health department can be a resource for summer safety.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 17, 2025
Media Contact:  Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Health Encourages Families to Take the Pool Safely Pledge
Commonwealth Continues to See an Increase in Small Children Drownings in Pools

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is urging parents and caregivers to take the Pool Safely Pledge (en Español) as the Commonwealth continues to see a concerning rise in accidental drownings among children under the age of five in swimming pools.

Pool Safely is a national public education campaign led by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to help prevent child drownings and entrapments in pools and spas.

The pledge – available for both adults and children – takes less than a minute and reinforces simple, life-saving safety practices.

The adult pledge includes commitment to:

• Designate a water watcher every single time children in their care are in or near the water.
• Make sure their kids know how to swim.
• Learn CPR.
• Always remove portable pool ladders when not in use.
• Ensure all permanent pools have a proper fence and gate and anti-entrapment drain covers.

The children’s pledge includes reminders to:

• Never swim alone.
• Ask their parents to sign them up for swimming lessons.
• Stay away from drains in the pool or hot tub.
• Have fun and always follow these safety steps in and around the water.

To date, eight children under age five have accidentally drowned in Virginia pools in 2025, an increase from the last three years (three in 2024, two in 2023, and four in 2022.)

“The tragic rise in drowning deaths of young children demands that we all become extra vigilant about pool safety,” said VDH Chief Deputy Commissioner for Community Health Services Susan Fischer Davis, MD. “Have fun at the pool – but always be alert to risks, especially with young children.”

Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages one to four. From 2022 through 2024, an estimated average of 6,300 children under age 15 years were treated annually in U.S. emergency departments (EDs) for nonfatal drowning-related injuries. Seventy-three percent of those children were under age five.

In Virginia, on average, one person drowns every four days. Drownings happen quickly – often silently. Take action now. Take the Pool Safely Pledge today and commit to protecting your family this summer.

Visit swimhealthyva.com for more information. Swim safe. Stay safe!

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 26, 2025
Media Contact:  Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Sees Increase in Drownings in Children Under 5 in Swimming Pools
Health Officials Urge Parents and Caregivers to Take Precautions

RICHMOND, Va. – With great sorrow, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed that six children under the age of five have tragically lost their lives to swimming pool drownings in Virginia since Memorial Day. Swimming season has just started, and these six drowning fatalities exceed Virginia’s total for the number of fatalities for young children for each of the last three years. The Virginia Department of Health urges parents and caregivers to take precautions with children in or near swimming pools or other bodies of water.

“We join with the families and communities grieving the loss of these young lives,” said State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD. “These numbers are heartbreaking. Swimming and playing in pools can be fun, particularly on blistering hot days, but pools can also be dangerous. Families should take caution in and around pools. Children in pools should be supervised at all times, and pools should be gated and secured to prevent access when supervision is not available. Please consider enrolling children in swimming lessons. We want to do everything we can to prevent any more lives lost.”

In the last three years, Virginia had a total of nine pool drownings in children under five years old – three in 2024, two in 2023, and four in 2022. Drowning is the leading cause of death in children between the ages of one and four. But drownings aren’t limited to small children. Between 2020 and 2024, nearly 500 people accidentally drowned in Virginia. Nearly a fifth of them were under the age of 19.

Drownings happen quickly and quietly. Parents and caregivers can take the following precautions to help keep children safe in and around pools:

• Active Supervision: Never leave a child alone near a pool/spa, bathtub, toilet, or standing body of water. When supervising children who are near the water, adults should be free from distractions.
• Swim Lessons: Teach children basic swimming and water safety skills. Swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning. Children, even those who’ve had swimming lessons, still need close and constant supervision in or around water.
• Learn CPR: Bystander-initiated CPR can make the difference in someone’s life while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
• Approved Safety Devices: Floaties, water wings, pool noodles and inner tubes are toys. These air-filled or foam toys are not designed to keep swimmers safe. Only use S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
• Barriers and Alarms: Install barriers and alarms to prevent children from gaining access to a pool or open water unsupervised.
• Avoid Swimming After Dark: Swimming after dark makes it hard to see if someone is drowning.
• Listen to the Lifeguard: Make sure to listen to any directions from the lifeguard and follow all advisories. But remember a lifeguard does not replace the need for active supervision of any children in and around the water.

Visit swimhealthyva.com for more information. Remember: swim safe, stay safe!

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 25, 2025
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Health Officials Investigating Another Potential Measles Exposure in Northern Virginia
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) was notified of a confirmed case of measles at Washington Dulles International Airport on Thursday, June 19. The confirmed case is an international traveler visiting North Carolina. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights.

Listed below is the date, time, and location of the potential exposure site in Virginia:

• Dulles International Airport (IAD) on Thursday, June 19:
  • Concourse A, on transportation to the International Arrivals Building (IAB), and in the baggage claim area between 7:45 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.
  • Departures area of Main Terminal, East Security Checkpoint, on transportation to Concourse C and inside Concourse C between 8 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.

To date in 2025, Virginia has three reported cases of measles. For the latest information on measles cases and exposures in Virginia, please visit the VDH Measles website.

What should you do if you were at the above locations on the day and time specified?

• If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.
• If you have never received a measles containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who might have been exposed and is considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
• Non-immune individuals may qualify for post-exposure treatments. People who might have been exposed and are not immune should contact their health care provider or local health department immediately to coordinate administration of post-exposure prophylaxis.
• Watch for symptoms for 21 days after the date of your potential exposure. If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
• Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms.
• If you have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve the highest level of protection, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. These symptoms usually start seven to fourteen days after being exposed. The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms start, when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.

Measles is preventable through a safe and effective MMR vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. Virginia has high measles vaccination rates, with approximately 95% of kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles. However, infants who are too young to be vaccinated, and others who are not vaccinated, are very susceptible to infection if they are exposed to measles. Infants six months through 11 months of age who will be traveling internationally, or to an outbreak setting, should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.

To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request your vaccination records using the VDH Immunization Record Request Form. Virginia residents with additional questions about their potential exposure can email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov or contact your local health department.

For more information about measles, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 14, 2025
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Health Officials Investigating Potential Measles Exposure in Northern Virginia
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) was notified of a confirmed case of measles at Washington Dulles International Airport and the Washington Area Metro on Sunday, June 8. The confirmed case is an international traveler visiting the Washington, D.C. area. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights.

Listed below is the date, time, and location of the potential exposure site:

• Dulles International Airport (IAD) on Sunday, June 8:
  • Concourse A, on transportation to the International Arrivals Building (IAB), and in the baggage claim area between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Washington Area Metro on Sunday, June 8:
  • Silver Line Train from Dulles International Airport station transferring at the Metro Center Station to the Red Line Train heading towards Shady Grove Station between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

To date in 2025, Virginia has three reported cases of measles. For the latest information on measles cases and exposures in Virginia, please visit the VDH Measles website.

What should you do if you were at the above locations on the day and time specified?

• If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.
• If you have never received a measles containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who might have been exposed and is considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
• Non-immune individuals may qualify for post-exposure treatments. People who might have been exposed and are not immune should contact their health care provider or local health department immediately to coordinate administration of post-exposure prophylaxis.
• Watch for symptoms for 21 days after the date of your potential exposure. If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
• Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms.
• If you have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve the highest level of protection, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. These symptoms usually start seven to fourteen days after being exposed. The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms start, when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.

Measles is preventable through a safe and effective MMR vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. Virginia has high measles vaccination rates, with approximately 95% of kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles. However, infants who are too young to be vaccinated, and others who are not vaccinated, are very susceptible to infection if they are exposed to measles. Infants six months through 11 months of age who will be traveling internationally, or to an outbreak setting, should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.

To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request your vaccination records using the VDH Immunization Record Request Form. Virginia residents with additional questions about their potential exposure can email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov or contact your local health department.

For more information about measles, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 23, 2025
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Health Officials Confirm Second 2025 Measles Case in the State
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting the state’s second measles case of the year. The patient is a teenager (13-17 years) in the Northwest Region who recently traveled internationally. To protect the family’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating efforts to identify anyone who might have been exposed.

Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of potential exposure sites in Virginia:

• Charlottesville Albemarle Airport on Tuesday, May 20 between 2:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
• Play it Again Sports, located at 1885 Seminole Trail in Charlottesville on Tuesday, May 20 from 2:40 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Goodwill Store and Donation Center, located at 440 Gander Drive in Charlottesville on Tuesday, May 20 from 3:10 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• UVA Health Primary Care Riverside, located at 2335 Seminole Lane, Suite 200 in Charlottesville on Thursday, May 22 from 2 p.m. to 7:10 p.m.
• UVA Health University Medical Center Emergency Department, located at 1215 Lee St. in Charlottesville on Friday, May 23 from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.

This case is the second case reported in Virginia in 2025. The first case was reported in April. For the latest information on measles cases in Virginia, please visit the Reportable Disease Monthly Surveillance Report.

What should you do if you were at the above locations on the day and time specified?

• If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.
• If you have never received a measles containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who might have been exposed and is considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
• Non-immune individuals may qualify for post-exposure treatments. People who might have been exposed and are not immune should contact their health care provider or local health department immediately to coordinate administration of post-exposure prophylaxis.
• Watch for symptoms for 21 days after the date of your potential exposure. If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
• Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms.
• If you have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve the highest level of protection, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. These symptoms usually start seven to fourteen days after being exposed. The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms start, when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.

Measles is preventable through a safe and effective MMR vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. Virginia has high measles vaccination rates, with approximately 95% of kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles. However, infants who are too young to be vaccinated, and others who are not vaccinated, are very susceptible to infection if they are exposed to measles. Infants six months through 11 months of age who will be traveling internationally, or to an outbreak setting, should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.

To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request your vaccination records using the VDH Immunization Record Request Form. Virginia residents with additional questions about their potential exposure can email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov or contact your local health department.

For more information about measles visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/

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