Media Updates June 16, 2026 

TOP UPDATES

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 


Measles
 

Update: 

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting 10 additional measles cases since the June 11 measles dashboard update.  All of these new cases are associated with outbreak in Buckingham County, bringing the total of outbreak-associated cases to 98. As of June 16, VDH is reporting a total of 121 cases of measles in 2026. 


VDH Response:
 

  • VDH has one active measles outbreak. Piedmont Health District continues to identify any additional cases, connecting people with testing and care, holding local vaccination clinics, and providing health education to the community. 
  • The VDH measles dashboard shows key information to help Virginians see measles trends, understand the impact, and know their risk of exposure. The dashboard will be updated every Tuesday and Thursday around noon ET. 


Public Guidance:
 

Measles is highly contagious and can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. Vaccination remains the best protection against measles. 

People who live in or visit the Buckingham County area should talk with their healthcare provider about outbreak vaccination recommendations, which includes considering an early MMR dose for infants older than six months to provide protection while measles is circulating in the community. 

People who are not vaccinated against measles should avoid attending large or crowded events in the Buckingham area during the outbreak to protect themselves and help stop the spread of measles. 


Media Resources
 

Quotes 

“While we continue to identify additional cases associated with the Buckingham County outbreak, VDH and our local partners are working aggressively to limit further spread through case investigation, contact tracing, community outreach, and vaccination efforts. We are asking Virginians in the areas experiencing active transmission—particularly those who are unvaccinated, unsure of their immunity status, or experiencing symptoms—to take recommended precautions and avoid situations that could put themselves or others at risk. Every action we take now helps protect vulnerable community members and can help us bring this outbreak to an end.” 

  – State Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb 


About 
 

VDH works to protect and promote the health of all Virginians through disease prevention, health promotion, emergency preparedness, and community partnerships. 

Our weekly update provides timely information on public health issues affecting communities across the Commonwealth, including disease trends, prevention guidance, safety advisories, and community resources. Our agency strives to keep media partners and the public informed about emerging health concerns, response efforts, and actions Virginians can take to protect their health. 

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The Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) mission is to protect the health and promote the well-being of all people in Virginia. VDH is comprised of a statewide Central Office in Richmond and 35 local health districts. For more information, please visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/ or find VDH on FacebookInstagramXLinkedIn and YouTube.

Media Update June 12

TOP UPDATES

Friday, June 12, 2026 

Measles

Update: 

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting five additional measles cases since the June 9 measles dashboard update.  All of these new cases are associated with outbreak in Buckingham County, bringing the total of outbreak-associated cases to 88. As of June 11, VDH is reporting a total of 111 cases of measles in 2006.


VDH Response: 

  • VDH has one active measles outbreak. Piedmont Health District continues to identify any additional cases, connecting people with testing and care, holding local vaccination clinics, and providing health education to the community.
  • The VDH measles dashboardshows key information to help Virginians see measles trends, understand the impact, and know their risk of exposure. The dashboard will be updated every Tuesday and Thursday around noon ET. 
  • On June 10, 2026, VDH released a Health Advisoryadvising unvaccinated people and anyone with measles symptoms to avoid large gatherings in Buckingham County during the ongoing measles outbreak. 
  • Send all questions and interview requests to Brookie Crawford at crawford@vdh.virginia.gov 


Public Guidance:
 

Measles is highly contagious and can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. Vaccination remains the best protection against measles. 

People who live in or visit the Buckingham County area should talk with their healthcare provider about outbreak vaccination recommendations, which includes considering an early MMR dose for infants older than six months to provide protection while measles is circulating in the community. 

People who are not vaccinated against measles should avoid attending large or crowded events in the Buckingham area during the outbreak to protect themselves and help stop the spread of measles. 


Media Resources
 

Quotes 

“While we continue to see measles cases increase across Virginia, VDH is actively responding to help contain spread, connect individuals to care, and protect communities most at risk. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, but it’s also one of the most preventable.  The MMR vaccine provides the best protection against measles. With summer travel and gatherings ahead, now is the time to make sure that you and your family are up to date on vaccinations. If you have questions, your healthcare provider or local health department is a great place to start.” 

 State Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb 


About 
 

VDH works to protect and promote the health of all Virginians through disease prevention, health promotion, emergency preparedness, and community partnerships.

Our weekly update provides timely information on public health issues affecting communities across the Commonwealth, including disease trends, prevention guidance, safety advisories, and community resources. Our agency strives to keep media partners and the public informed about emerging health concerns, response efforts, and actions Virginians can take to protect their health.