Public Health Updates on Measles, Ebola Preparedness, and Travel-Associated Illnesses

 Public Health Updates on Measles, Ebola Preparedness, and Travel-Associated Illnesses

June 3, 2026

Dear Colleague,

Update on Measles in Virginia

Virginia has seen a record number of measles cases this year with 77 reported cases as of June 2, 2026. All five health planning regions have been affected. However, the most recent cases have been associated with a measles outbreak in Buckingham County in the Central Region. VDH has issued outbreak vaccine recommendations for people who live in or visit this area. Among all 2026 cases, 97% were in people who were not vaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status. Measles activity is also high in some other U.S. states and countries.

Visit VDH’s Measles Information for Healthcare Providers website for the latest information about measles in Virginia. Topics include how to rapidly recognize, report, test, and implement infection control measures to protect your patients and staff. On May 21, VDH launched a new measles dashboard. This dashboard shows key information to help Virginians see measles trends, understand the impact, and know their risk of exposure as measles cases increase nationally and across the Commonwealth.

Update on Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda

VDH is closely monitoring the large and concerning Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. Enhanced screening at Washington-Dulles International Airport began on May 21. It is possible that there will be people with potential exposures who return to the United States from the geographic areas of concern. VDH will conduct symptom monitoring for travelers who have been in affected areas within the prior 21 days and have reported potential exposures according to appropriate public health guidance.

The anticipated public health risk to the U.S. is low.  However, early identification of Ebola or other Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) is important for providing appropriate and prompt patient care and preventing the spread of infection. This situation is a good reminder to include a travel history when evaluating your patients. Include VHFs in the differential diagnosis for an ill person who has compatible symptoms AND who has reported epidemiological risk factors within the 21 days before symptom onset. Please contact your local health department immediately if you suspect Ebola disease. Please visit the VDH Ebola Information for Health Care Professionals webpage for more information pertaining to diagnosis, laboratory testing, and infection prevention and control recommendations.

Reminders about Other Travel-Associated Illnesses

VDH expects an increase in international and domestic visitors across the Commonwealth this summer. The FIFA World Cup 2026™ takes place June 11–July 19 in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Philadelphia is the nearest host city with matches scheduled during June 14–July 4. The U.S. Department of State estimates 5–7 million people will travel to the U.S. for the tournament, and many are likely to travel through international airports in northern Virginia.

Large gatherings in or near Virginia are also being planned this summer. These include multiple events in the District of Columbia, Sail250^®, and United States 250^th anniversary celebrations. VDH recommends that providers:

• Be alert for travel-related illnesses or possible outbreaks associated with attendance at World Cup or other large events.
  • Ask patients presenting with acute febrile illness about risk factors in the 21 days before symptom onset. These include any domestic or international travel and attendance at the 2026 World Cup or other large gatherings.
  • Consider communicable diseases not typically seen in Virginia, such as hemorrhagic fevers, malaria, dengue, and other vector-borne or vaccine-preventable diseases (measles), or out-of-season diseases (e.g., influenza).
  • Review CDC’s Travel Health Notices for the latest advisories related to global outbreaks and CDC’s Yellow Book for travel medicine topics.
• Be aware of potential increases in heat-related illnesses, crowd-related injuries, and substance use and overdose events.
  • Review the CDC’s Identify, Isolate, and Inform framework to quickly recognize and manage patients with high-consequence infectious diseases.
• Report conditions, outbreaks, or unusual occurrence of disease of public health concern to your local health department (LHD). Review the Virginia Reportable Disease List and do not wait for laboratory confirmation to report.
• Know how to contact your LHD, both during and outside of business hours.

Thank you for all your efforts to keep Virginians safe and healthy this summer.