Tag: measles

Virginia Health Officials Investigating a Potential Measles Exposure in Southwest Region

March 4, 2026
Media Contact: Linda Scarborough, Linda.Scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Health Officials Investigating a Potential
Measles Exposure in Southwest Region
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health was notified of a confirmed case of measles that traveled through the Southwest Region on Monday, March 2. The person is a resident of another state who recently traveled internationally. To protect the patient’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed.

Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of the potential exposure sites in Virginia:

  • Centra Lynchburg General Hospital Emergency Department located at 1901 Tate Springs Road in Lynchburg from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Monday, March 2.

Any additional exposure sites identified in Virginia will be posted to the VDH Measles website.

What to Do If You Have Been Exposed to Measles

Most people in Virginia have immunity to measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low. However, anyone who was at the potential exposure sites at the times listed should:

  • Report your exposure to VDH by completing this short survey. Public health officials will follow up with respondents if additional actions are needed.
  • Find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. Make sure you are up to date with the recommended number of measles (MMR) vaccinations.
    • To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request records through the VDH Record Request Portal.
    • If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are considered protected and do not need to seek post-exposure treatment at this time.
  • People who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles should contact their healthcare provider or call their local health department People who are not immune to measles may qualify for post-exposure treatments. There is a small timeframe for these protective post-exposure treatments to be effective.
  • Watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after the potential exposure. Monitoring for symptoms is especially important for people who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles.
    • If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
    • The most likely time you would become sick would be between March 9 and March 23.
    • Contact your local health department or email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov to discuss any additional recommendations.

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.

To date in 2026, Virginia has reported 10 cases of measles. For more information about measles visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/.

Virginia Health Officials Investigating Two Confirmed Measles Cases in Northern Virginia

February 19, 2026
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Health Officials Investigating Two Confirmed Measles Cases in Northern Virginia
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health is reporting two confirmed cases of measles in residents of Northern Virginia. The patients are adults who recently traveled together domestically. To protect the patients’ privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patients. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed.

Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of the potential exposure sites in Virginia:

  • Harris Teeter, located at 10060 Market Circle in Manassas, between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 13
  • Walmart, located at 9401 Liberia Avenue in Manassas, between 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday, February 13
  • Marco’s Pizza, located at 9223 Sudley Road in Manassas, between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Friday, February 13
  • Bull Run Unitarian Universalists, located at 9350 Main Street in Manassas, between 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 14
  • Best Buy Outlet, located at 7665 Sudley Road in Manassas, between 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Saturday, February 14
  • Mountaintop Church, located at 9213 Center Street in Manassas
    • Saturday, February 14 between 4:30 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.
    • Sunday, February 15 between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Lidl, located at 9795 Liberia Avenue in Manassas, between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, February 15
  • Target, located at 9900 Sowder Village Square in Manassas, between 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, February 15
  • Medical Center, located at 7051 Heathcote Village Way in Gainesville, between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Monday, February 16
  • Office Building, located at 2800 Eisenhower Avenue in Alexandria, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 17

To date in 2026, Virginia has 10 reported cases of measles. Any additional exposure sites identified in Virginia will be posted to the VDH Measles website.

What to Do If You Have Been Exposed to Measles

Most people in Virginia have immunity to measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low. However, anyone who was at the potential exposure sites at the times listed should:

  • Report your exposure to VDH by completing this short survey. Public health officials will follow up with respondents if additional actions are needed.
  • Find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. Make sure you are up to date with the recommended number of measles (MMR) vaccinations.
    • To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request records through the VDH Record Request Portal.
    • If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are considered protected and do not need to seek post-exposure treatment at this time.
  • People who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles should contact their healthcare provider or call their local health department People who are not immune to measles may qualify for post-exposure treatments. There is a small timeframe for these protective post-exposure treatments to be effective.
  • Watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after the potential exposure. Monitoring for symptoms is especially important for people who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles.
    • If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
    • The most likely time you would become sick would be between February 18 and March 10.
    • Contact your local health department or email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov to discuss any additional recommendations.

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/.

# # #

Virginia Health Officials Investigating Confirmed Measles Case in Northern Region

February 16, 2026
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Health Officials Investigating Confirmed Measles Case in Northern Region
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health is reporting a confirmed case of measles in a resident of Northern Virginia. The patient is an adult who recently traveled internationally. To protect the patient’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed.

Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of the potential exposure sites in Virginia:

  • Giant Food, located at 8941 Ox Road in Lorton, between 3:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, February 11.
  • Inova-GoHealth Urgent Care – Lorton Marketplace, located at 9427 Lorton Market St. in Lorton, between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Friday, February 13.
  • Inova HealthPlex Lorton Emergency Room, located at 9321 Sanger St. in Lorton, between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Saturday February 14.

To date in 2026, Virginia has eight reported cases of measles. Any additional exposure sites identified in Virginia will be posted to the VDH Measles website.

What to Do If You Have Been Exposed to Measles

Most people in Virginia have immunity to measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low. However, anyone who was at the potential exposure sites at the times listed should:

  • Report your exposure to VDH by completing this short survey. Public health officials will follow up with respondents if additional actions are needed.
  • Find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. Make sure you are up to date with the recommended number of measles (MMR) vaccinations.
    • To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request records through the VDH Record Request Portal.
    • If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are considered protected and do not need to seek post-exposure treatment at this time.
  • People who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles should contact their healthcare provider or call their local health department immediately to discuss any questions they might have. People who are not immune to measles may qualify for post-exposure treatments. There is a small timeframe for these protective post-exposure treatments to be effective.
  • Watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after the potential exposure. Monitoring for symptoms is especially important for people who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles.
    • If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
    • The most likely time you would become sick would be between February 18 and March 7.
    • Contact your local health department or email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov to discuss any additional recommendations.

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/.

# # #

Virginia Health Officials Investigating a Confirmed Measles Case and an Exposure in Northern Region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 6, 2026
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Health Officials Investigating a Confirmed Measles Case and an Exposure in Northern Region
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting a confirmed case of measles in a resident of the Northern Region. The patient is a pre-school age child (0-4 years). Additionally, VDH was notified of a confirmed case of measles that is a resident of another state and traveled through Ronald Regan Washington National airport on January 26. To protect the patients’ privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patients. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed.

Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of the potential exposure sites in Virginia:

  • Heathcote Health Center, located at 15195 Heathcote Blvd. in Haymarket between 1:15 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. Thursday, January 29.
  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Terminal 2, located at 2401 Smith Blvd, Arlington between 12:30 pm and 10:30 pm Monday, January 26.
  • Washington Area Metro on Monday, January 26:
    • Red Line Train from Brookland – CUA station transferring at the Gallery Place – Chinatown station to the Yellow Line Train heading towards the Huntington Station between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
    • Yellow Line Train from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport station transferring at the Gallery Place – Chinatown station to the Red Line Train heading towards the Glenmont station between 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.

To date in 2026, Virginia has reported six cases of measles. Any additional exposure sites identified in Virginia will be posted to the VDH Measles website. Additional exposure sites have been identified in Washington, D.C.

What to Do If You Have Been Exposed to Measles

Most people in Virginia have immunity to measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low. However, anyone who was at the potential exposure sites at the times listed should:

  • Report your exposure to VDH by completing this short survey. Public health officials will follow up with respondents if additional actions are needed.
  • Find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. Make sure you are up to date with the recommended number of measles (MMR) vaccinations.
    • To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request records through the VDH Record Request Portal.
    • If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are considered protected and do not need to seek post-exposure treatment at this time.
  • People who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles should contact their healthcare provider or call their local health department promptly to discuss any questions they might have. If you have already completed the above survey, your local health department will reach out to you to provide recommendations if additional actions are needed.
  • Watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after the potential exposure. Monitoring for symptoms is especially important for people who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles.
    • If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
    • The most likely time you would become sick from these exposures is by February 19, 2026.
    • Contact your local health department or email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov to discuss any additional recommendations.

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/.

# # #

Virginia Health Officials Investigating Confirmed Measles Case in Northern Region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 4, 2026
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Health Officials Investigating Confirmed Measles Case in Northern Region
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health is reporting a confirmed case of measles in an adult resident of Northern Virginia. To protect the patient’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed.

Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of the potential exposure sites in Virginia:

  • The Ian Apartment Complex, located at 2249 Woodland Grove Place in Herndon, any time between Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 31.
  • Kumo Sushi, located at 2338 Woodland Crossing Drive in Herndon, between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday, January 24.
  • Target, located at 12197 Sunset Hills Road in Reston, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday, January 25.
  • Harris Teeter, located at 12960 Highland Crossing Drive in Herndon, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday, January 25.
  • Fairfax County Animal Shelter – West Ox Campus, located at 4500 West Ox Road in Fairfax, between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, January 31.

To date in 2026, Virginia has reported five cases of measles. Any additional exposure sites identified in Virginia will be posted to the VDH Measles website.

What to Do If You Have Been Exposed to Measles

Most people in Virginia have immunity to measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low. However, anyone who was at the potential exposure sites at the times listed should:

  • Report your exposure to the Fairfax County Health Department by completing this short survey. Public health officials will follow-up with respondents if additional actions are needed.
  • Find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. Make sure you are up to date with the recommended number of measles (MMR) vaccinations.
    • To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request records through the VDH Record Request Portal.
    • If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are considered protected and do not need to seek post-exposure treatment at this time.
  • People who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles should contact their healthcare provider or call their local health department promptly to discuss any questions they might have. If you have already completed the above survey, your local health department will reach out to you to provide recommendations if additional actions are needed.
  • Watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after the potential exposure. Monitoring for symptoms is especially important for people who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles.
    • If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
    • The most likely time you would become sick from this exposure is by February 21, 2026.
    • Contact your local health department or email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov to discuss any additional recommendations.

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/.

# # #

Virginia Health Officials Investigating a Potential Measles Exposure in Northern Virginia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 30, 2026
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Health Officials Investigating a Potential Measles Exposure in Northern Virginia
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) was notified of a confirmed case of measles that traveled through Washington Dulles International Airport Saturday, January 24. The person is a resident of another state. To protect the patient’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights.

Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of the potential exposure sites in Virginia:

  • Dulles International Airport (IAD): in Concourse B, on transportation to the International Arrivals Building (IAB) and in the baggage claim area between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. Saturday, January 24.
  • Dulles shuttle bus to the rental car facilities between 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Saturday, January 24.

Any additional exposure sites identified in Virginia will be posted to the VDH Measles website.

What to Do If You Have Been Exposed to Measles

Most people in Virginia have immunity to measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low. However, anyone who was at the potential exposure sites at the times listed should:

  • Report your exposure to the Loudoun County Health Department by completing this short survey. Public health officials will follow up with respondents if additional actions are needed.
  • Find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. Make sure you are up to date with the recommended number of measles (MMR) vaccinations.
    • To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request records through the VDH Record Request Portal.
    • If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are considered protected and do not need to seek post-exposure treatment at this time.
  • People who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles should contact their healthcare provider or call their local health department promptly to discuss any questions they might have. If you have already completed the above survey, your local health department will reach out to you to provide recommendations if additional actions are needed.
  • Watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after the potential exposure. Monitoring for symptoms is especially important for people who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles.
    • If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to notify the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
    • The most likely time you would become sick from this exposure would be between January 31 and February 14.

Contact your local health department or email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov to discuss any additional recommendations.

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.

To date in 2026, Virginia has four reported cases of measles. For more information about measles visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/.

# # #

Virginia Health Officials Investigating Another Confirmed Measles Case in Northern Region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 20, 2026
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Health Officials Investigating Another Confirmed Measles Case in Northern Region
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health is reporting a confirmed case of measles in a resident of the Northern Region. The patient is a preschool-age child (0-4 years) who recently traveled internationally. This case is unrelated to a recent measles case reported on January 11. To protect the patient’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed and appreciate the active collaboration of affected healthcare facilities.

Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of the potential exposure sites in Virginia:

  • PM Pediatric Urgent Care, located at 2690 Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge
    • Tuesday, January 13 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Inova Children’s Emergency Department, located at 3300 Gallows Road in Falls Church
    • Thursday, January 15 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Friday, January 16 from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Inova Fairfax Hospital Women’s and Children’s Building, Floors 2-10, located at 3300 Gallows Road in Falls Church
    • Saturday, January 17 at 2:30 a.m. to Sunday, January 18 at 5 p.m.

To date in 2026, Virginia has reported three cases of measles. Any additional exposure sites identified in Virginia will be posted to the VDH Measles website.

What to Do If You Have Been Exposed to Measles

Most people in Virginia have immunity to measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low. However, anyone who was at the potential exposure sites at the times listed should:

  • Find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. Make sure you are up to date with the recommended number of measles (MMR) vaccinations.
    • To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request records through the VDH Record Request Portal.
    • If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are considered protected and do not need to seek post-exposure treatment at this time.
  • People who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles should contact their healthcare provider or call their local health department People who are not immune to measles may qualify for post-exposure treatments. There is a small timeframe for these protective post-exposure treatments to be effective.
  • Watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after the potential exposure. Monitoring for symptoms is especially important for people who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles.
    • If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
    • The most likely time you would become sick would be between January 20 to February 8.
    • Contact your local health department or email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov to discuss any additional recommendations.

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 a healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.

For more information about measles visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/.

# # #

Virginia Health Officials Investigating a Confirmed Measles Case in Northern Region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  – January 11, 2026
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Health Officials Investigating a Confirmed Measles Case in Northern Region

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting the state’s second measles case of 2026. The patient is a preschool-age child (0-4 years) in the Northern Region who recently traveled internationally. To protect the patient’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Virginia health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed.

Listed below are the date, times, and location of the potential exposure site in Virginia:

  • Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center Emergency Department and Executive Medicine Suite, located at 9300 DeWitt Loop in Fort Belvoir, Friday, January 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight.

In addition to the above location in Virginia, there is a potential exposure on a train that traveled through several nearby states and Washington, DC as listed below:

  • Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 175, from William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA at 9 p.m. to Washington Union Station at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 7.

Additional exposure sites related to this case have been identified in other states, including Maryland, Pennsylvania and DC.

To date in 2026, Virginia has reported two cases of measles. Any additional exposure sites identified in Virginia will be posted to the VDH Measles website.

What to Do If You Have Been Exposed to Measles

Most people in Virginia have immunity to measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low. However, anyone who was at the potential exposure sites at the times listed should:

  • Find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. Make sure you are up to date with the recommended number of measles (MMR) vaccinations.
    • To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request records through the VDH Record Request Portal.
    • If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are considered protected.
  • Anyone who might have been exposed and is considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider promptly to discuss any questions they might have. People who are not immune to measles might qualify for post-exposure treatments. There is a small timeframe within which these protective post-exposure treatments need to be given to be effective.
  • Watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after the potential exposure. Monitoring for symptoms is especially important for people who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles.
  • If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
  • The most likely time you would become sick would be between January 16 to January 30.
  • Contact your local health department or email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov to discuss any additional recommendations.

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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Virginia Health Officials Report Confirmed Measles Case in Central Region

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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The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Provides Tips for Safe, Healthy Holiday Travel

December 23, 2025
Media Contact: Dr. Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov.

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Provides Tips for Safe, Healthy Holiday Travel
Plan Ahead for a Healthy and Safe Holiday

WARRENTON, Va. – As you and your family prepare to travel during the holiday season, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District reminds you to take important steps now to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Holiday travel and festive gatherings can increase the risk of spreading infectious diseases and encountering unexpected emergencies.

“The holidays are a time for joy and togetherness, let’s keep it that way by practicing safe food handling,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D. “Simple steps like proper handwashing, cooking foods to the right temperature, and prompt refrigeration can prevent illness and keep everyone healthy.”

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District shares these tips to healthy and safe holiday travel:

  • Check Immunization Status: To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request records through the VDH Record Request Portal. Make sure you are up-to-date on all of your recommended vaccines. Measles and other infectious diseases can spread quickly in a large group of unvaccinated people. Bring a copy of your official immunization records with you when you travel.
  • Prevent Seasonal Illnesses: Protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV by doing three little things: washing your hands, covering your cough and getting vaccinated. Everyone aged six months and older should get a flu shot every year, with a few exceptions. Talk to a healthcare provider about which vaccines are recommended for you and your family.
  • Monitor Travel Advisories: Check current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of State travel advisories before departure.
  • Pack Smart: Pack enough prescription medications for the entire trip, plus extra in case of delays. Keep medications in their original containers and carry them in your hand luggage. Pack a travel health kit.
  • Stay Home if Sick: Postpone your travel and stay home when you are sick. Consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance to cover expenses if you must change your plans due to illness.

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department wishes everyone a safe, healthy, and festive holiday season. For more travel tips, contact The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District at www.rrhd.org.

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