December 24, 2025
Media Contact: Logan Anderson, VDH PIO, logan.anderson@vdh.virginia.gov
Virginia Health Officials Report Confirmed Measles Case in Central Region
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting a confirmed case of measles in an adult resident of the Central Region. The individual developed symptoms after exposure to a confirmed measles case. The individual followed public health recommendations by staying at home after their exposure, so as a result, VDH is reporting no additional locations where others may have been exposed. To protect the individual’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information.
To date in 2025, Virginia has five reported cases of measles. For additional information about measles, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/.
General Measles Information
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 14 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 at high risk of developing measles if they are exposed. 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.
For more information about measles visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/.
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