{"id":2792,"date":"2026-06-01T13:35:12","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T13:35:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/clinicians\/?page_id=2792"},"modified":"2026-06-03T13:07:58","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T13:07:58","slug":"public-health-updates-on-measles-ebola-preparedness-and-travel-associated-illnesses","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/clinicians\/clinician-letters\/public-health-updates-on-measles-ebola-preparedness-and-travel-associated-illnesses\/","title":{"rendered":"Public Health Updates on Measles, Ebola Preparedness, and Travel-Associated Illnesses"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u00a0<\/span>Public Health\u00a0<\/span>Update<\/span>s on Measles,\u00a0<\/span>Ebola Preparedness<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0and Travel<\/span>-<\/span>Associated\u00a0<\/span>Illnesses<\/span><\/h2>\n

June 3, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dear Colleague,<\/p>\n

Update on Measles in Virginia<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Virginia has seen a record number of <\/strong>measles cases<\/strong><\/a> this year with 77 reported cases as of June 2, 2026.<\/strong> All five health planning regions have been affected. However, the most recent cases have been associated with a measles outbreak in Buckingham County<\/a> in the Central Region. VDH has issued outbreak vaccine recommendations<\/a> 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<\/a> and countries<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Visit <\/strong>VDH\u2019s Measles Information for Healthcare Providers website<\/strong><\/a> 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<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n

Update on Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n

VDH is closely monitoring the large and concerning Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n

The anticipated public health risk to the U.S. is low. \u00a0However, 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<\/a> within the 21 days before symptom onset. Please contact your local health department<\/a> immediately if you suspect Ebola disease. Please visit the VDH Ebola Information for Health Care Professionals<\/a> webpage for more information pertaining to diagnosis, laboratory testing, and infection prevention and control recommendations.<\/p>\n

Reminders about Other Travel-Associated Illnesses<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n

VDH expects an increase in international and domestic visitors across the Commonwealth this summer. <\/strong>The FIFA World Cup 2026\u2122 takes place June 11\u2013July 19 in Canada, Mexico, and the United States<\/a>. Philadelphia is the nearest host city with matches scheduled during June 14\u2013July 4. The U.S. Department of State estimates 5\u20137 million people will travel to the U.S. for the tournament, and many are likely to travel through international airports in northern Virginia.<\/p>\n

Large gatherings in or near Virginia are also being planned this summer.<\/strong> These include multiple events in the District of Columbia,<\/a> Sail250<\/a>\u00ae<\/sup>, and United States 250th<\/sup> anniversary celebrations<\/a>. VDH recommends that providers: <\/strong><\/p>\n