Measles Outbreak Expansion and Back-to-School Immunizations

VDH Letterhead

 

Measles Outbreak Expansion and Back-to-School Immunizations

June 26, 2026

Dear colleague, 

This letter provides updates on the 2026 measles outbreak in Virginia and back-to-school immunization recommendations.  

Measles Outbreak in Buckingham County Expands into Cumberland County 

Yesterday, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced that the 2026 measles outbreak in Buckingham County has expanded geographically to include Cumberland County. The outbreak was first declared on May 13 for Buckingham County. Since then, the number of outbreak cases has risen substantially in Buckingham County and in some neighboring areas. Based on available epidemiologic information, there is now evidence of community transmission in Cumberland County.  For people who are not protected against measles, the risk of measles exposure is now higher in both Buckingham and Cumberland Counties as compared to other parts of Virginia.  

Providers practicing in and around Buckingham and Cumberland Counties should maintain a high index of suspicion for measles and test any patient presenting with measles-compatible symptoms. In light of this expanding outbreak, VDH encourages all clinicians to: 

  • Ensure that all patients are up to date on routinely recommended MMR vaccinations for children and adults. 
  • Talk with their patients who live in or visit Buckingham County, Cumberland County, and surrounding areas about outbreak vaccination recommendations and advise patients who are not protected against measles to avoid large gatherings in these areas. 
  • Immediately report suspected or confirmed measles cases to their local health department. Please do not wait for laboratory confirmation. 
  • Check the immune status of the healthcare providers on your teams and take readiness steps for your facility. 

After you report a suspect case, VDH staff work quickly to facilitate measles testing at Virginia’s Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) if indicated. VDH staff also work quickly to identify other people who might have been exposed and assess if they should receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). There is a narrow window for PEP to be effective. MMR vaccine can be given within 72 hours of exposure to those who are eligible. Immunoglobulin (IG) can be given within six days of exposure. 

In 2026, 129 measles cases have been reported in Virginia. All reported cases since May 4, 2026 have been associated with the current outbreak in the Central region and VDH anticipates more outbreak cases in this region. Measles can be a serious illness that affects people of all ages. Eight Virginians with measles (6%) have been hospitalized. One in three cases in 2026 (n=43, 33%) have occurred in children five to twelve years of age and nearly one in three cases (n=38, 29%) have occurred in adults. Nearly all cases (n=127, 98%) have been in people who were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccine status. For the latest information about measles in Virginia, please visit VDH’s Measles Information for Healthcare Providers website.  

Back-to-School Immunizations 

Vaccinations required for school help keep students healthy, allowing them to focus on learning and playing, while also contributing to the well-being of the larger community. Unfortunately, each year, some students miss the first day of school because they have not received the required vaccines. 

The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, public, and private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrolling in school. Virginia schools require immunizations for entry into kindergarten, seventh grade, and 12th grade. These vaccines should be given based on the schedule recommended by VDH, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.  

Please encourage parents and caregivers to schedule a check-up early enough to ensure that all necessary vaccinations are completed before school begins. This is an excellent opportunity to provide an overall wellness check and address any questions or concerns parents may have about vaccines. 

On behalf of the entire VDH team, thank you for your partnership, dedication, and determination in keeping Virginians safe and healthy.   

Sincerely, 

Cameron Webb, MD, JD
State Health Commissioner