Tag: measles

Southside Health District Offering Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Immunization Clinic

July 10, 2026
Media Contact: Chris Garrett, christopher.garrett@vdh.virginia.gov

Southside Health District Offering Measles, Mumps,
and Rubella (MMR) Immunization Clinic

CHASE CITY, Va. – Due to the current measles outbreak in Virginia, the Southside Health District will be offering a measles immunization, titer test, and education clinic at the Triangle Volunteer Fire Department located at 1051 Morton’s Ferry Road in Nathalie, Virginia. The clinic will be from 1-6 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026. The measles immunization is part of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. A measles titer will also be available for anyone wanting to check their immunity to measles.

“We are dedicated to serving our communities to help protect people of all ages from measles. We appreciate the outstanding staff with the Triangle Fire Department for partnering with us to help make this opportunity possible,” said Scott J. Spillmann, MD, MPH, Southside Health District health director.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the area. Measles symptoms include a cough, runny nose, rash, and sometimes red, itchy eyes. Measles is preventable through a safe and effective MMR vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide long-lasting protection.

The measles vaccine is recommended in a two-dose series with the first dose at age 12–15 months and the second dose at 4–6 years of age. Adults born before 1957 are considered immune. If you are currently unvaccinated, you are encouraged to get your vaccination.

Vaccines are safe and effective. Immunizations are the best defense against infectious disease. Measles is a recent example. This highly contagious disease that was declared eliminated in the year 2000 is experiencing a surge in the U.S. with more than 2,170 confirmed cases reported so far this year, including 177 cases in Virginia.

An antibody titer test provides a measurement of the concentration of antibodies in your blood that target a specific pathogen, like the measles virus.  When you are exposed to the virus, or receive the vaccine, your immune system will produce antibodies that enable you to resist infection.  For measles, an antibody titer test involves the collection of a small volume of blood, which will be sent to a lab for processing; your medical provider or local health department will be able to provide additional information regarding the result and what it means for you.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommends that children are immunized in accordance with the 2026 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. Vaccines are still required for school entry and remain the same as listed in the Code of Virginia. VDH encourages parents to talk with their child’s health care provider about recommended vaccinations.

Keeping children up to date on vaccinations can reduce severe illnesses, and unnecessary absences from school. Vaccines are available through pediatrician offices, pharmacies, and all local health departments. Check in advance to see if appointments may be necessary.

For more information, please contact the Halifax County Health Department at (434) 476-4863.

 

 

Virginia Department of Health Expands Measles Outbreak Area to include Cumberland County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 25, 2026
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Health Expands Measles Outbreak Area to include Cumberland County
Virginia Health Officials Urge Residents and Visitors to Assess their Immunity

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is geographically expanding the Buckingham County measles outbreak to include Cumberland County. All residents and visitors to these counties should take additional steps to ensure they are protected against measles. In addition to routine vaccination recommendations for children and adults, people who live in or visit Buckingham County, Cumberland County, or surrounding areas should talk with their healthcare provider about additional outbreak vaccination recommendations.

“Piedmont Health District continues to be grateful for the care with which the community has approached this measles outbreak,” said Piedmont Health District Director Maria Almond. “As this outbreak expands to Cumberland County, I ask for the community’s help to stop measles from gaining further ground by ensuring you are vaccinated.”

The outbreak area is expanding at this time because there is recent evidence of community transmission of measles in Cumberland County. No specific public exposure locations have been identified at this time. However, during this ongoing outbreak, Cumberland County residents and visitors are at a higher risk of exposure to measles.

As of June 25, Piedmont Health District is reporting 106 outbreak-associated measles cases and VDH is reporting a total of 129 measles cases statewide in 2026.

Measles is highly contagious and can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. Children younger than 12 months of age and others who are not vaccinated are very susceptible to infection if they are exposed to someone with measles.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones:

  • Get Vaccinated: The best way to protect against measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. If you or a loved one are not up to date with routine MMR vaccinations, contact a healthcare provider or your local health department to schedule a vaccine appointment today. People who live in or visit the Buckingham and Cumberland County area should talk with their healthcare provider about outbreak vaccination recommendations. These recommendations include considering an early MMR dose for infants older than six months of age to provide protection while measles is circulating in the community.
  • Check Your Vaccination Status: To check your vaccination 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.
  • Avoid large gatherings in the outbreak area if you are not vaccinated against measles or are experiencing symptoms of measles. Attendance at large, crowded events can increase your risk of exposure if you are unvaccinated.
  • If you think you might have measles, stay home and call a healthcare provider or your local health department right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead to notify them. This call will help protect other patients and staff.

For updates on the outbreak, please visit the VDH measles dashboard. Updates will be posted Tuesdays and Thursdays around noon.

For more information about measles, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/. For additional questions, contact VDH’s Call Center at 877-829-4682 (Option 2), The VDH Call Center is available Monday–Friday (except holidays) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Parents and Caregivers to Schedule Appointments for Children’s School-Required Vaccines

June 22, 2026

Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

 

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage parents and caregivers to schedule school-required vaccination appointments as soon as possible. Primary care physicians, community partners, and RHHD provide these vaccinations. It may be more challenging to secure an appointment closer to the start of the school year.

Vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious diseases like measles. As of June 22, 2026, Virginia has seen 129 cases of measles, including 107 cases in the Central Region. Unvaccinated people accounted for 95% of all measles cases in Virginia in 2026. There were five measles cases in Virginia in all of 2025. Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles.

“Keeping children up to date on their vaccinations means they have a better chance to stay healthy for summer fun and start school on time in the fall,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “Avoid the rush and schedule an appointment today for your child to receive their school-required vaccinations.”

Virginia School Immunization Requirements

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 the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Vaccines may also be required for work and other activities.

Virginia residents can securely access their vaccination records through confidential electronic portals managed by VDH.

Scheduling a Vaccination Appointment

Families can schedule appointments for school-required vaccines through their primary care provider, local pharmacies, urgent care facilities, community partners, and RHHD clinics. Parents and caregivers can visit rhhd.gov/childhoodvax for more information about scheduling childhood vaccine appointments. For help finding a local primary care provider, visit rhhd.gov/connect-pc.

Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) providers offer no-cost vaccines to children (younger than 19 years of age) who are uninsured or underinsured; Medicaid-eligible or Medicaid-enrolled; and/or American Indian or Alaska Native. Search for a VVFC provider near you by using rhhd.gov/vfc.

RHHD offers vaccination appointments for children and adults at its Cary Street (804-205-3500), Henrico East (804-652-3190) and Henrico West (804-501-4001) clinics. Bilingual-in-Spanish staff is available at all locations.

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Virginia Health Officials Investigating Measles Exposure in Northern Virginia

June 20, 2026
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Health Officials Investigating 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 Wednesday, June 17. The person traveled internationally and is an out-of-state resident. 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 location of the potential exposure site in Virginia:

  • Dulles International Airport (IAD): Concourse C, on transportation to the International Arrivals Building (IAB), and in the baggage claim area between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 17.

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., and Maryland.

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 site at the date and 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.
  • If you are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles, you should contact your healthcare provider or call your local health department promptly to discuss any questions you might have. People who are not immune to measles may qualify for post-exposure treatments. A small timeframe exists 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 June 24 and July 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 your healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.

To date in 2026, Virginia has reported 129 cases of measles; 106 of these have been associated with an on-going measles outbreak in Buckingham County.

For more information about measles visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/. For additional questions, contact VDH’s Call Center at 877-829-4682 (Option 2 then Option 3 “Other”), The VDH Call Center is available Monday–Friday (except holidays) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Southside Health District Asks for Community’s Help to Stop Measles Spread

June 12, 2026
Media Contact: Linda Scarborough, linda.scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov

Southside Health District Asks for Community’s Help to Stop Measles Spread
Health Officials Encourage Skipping Large, Crowded Events if Unvaccinated

HALIFAX, Va. – Currently, Buckingham County, which borders, Halifax County, is experiencing a measles outbreak. The number of measles cases in the Buckingham area has been climbing since early May. The Southside Health District is asking for the community’s help to stop the spread of measles in the area. Health officials are encouraging people to skip large, crowded events in the Buckingham area if they are unvaccinated or if they are experiencing symptoms of measles.

Currently, the Buckingham outbreak has 88 cases. Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases and spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. A person with measles can spread the virus from four days before until four days after a rash begins, meaning someone can spread measles before they know they are sick. Attendance at large, crowded events increases your risk of exposure if you are unvaccinated.

Vaccination remains the best protection against measles. If you or a loved one have not had two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, contact your healthcare provider or call your local health department to schedule a vaccine appointment today.

To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request records through the VDH Record Request Portal.

If you have been exposed to measles, watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after the potential exposure. 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.

For more information about measles, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/. For additional questions, contact VDH’s Call Center at 877-829-4682 (Option 2), The VDH Call Center is available Monday–Friday (except holidays) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Virginia Department of Health Media Update June 9

Posted on by brookiecrawford

TOP UPDATES

Measles

Update:

VDH is reporting 15 additional measles cases since the June 4 measles dashboard update.  All of these new cases are associated with outbreak in Buckingham County, bringing the total of outbreak-associated cases to 83. As of June 9, VDH is reporting a total of 106 cases of measles in 2006.

VDH Response:

  • VDH has one active measles outbreak. Piedmont Health District is working 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 (eastern).
  • 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.

Unvaccinated people should avoid attending large or crowded events in the Buckingham area during the outbreak to protect themselves and help stop the spread of measles.

 

Hantavirus

Update:

Three people in Virginia have completed their 42-day public health monitoring period. All three remained healthy.

Virginia Response:

  • VDH continues to closely monitor this situation and coordinate with federal, state, and local partners.
  • VDH continues to provide updates on Virginia response on the VDH’s hantavirus webpage.
  • Send all questions and interview requests to Logan Anderson at Logan.Anderson@vdh.virginia.gov.

Public Guidance:

To date, no Andes Virus cases associated with the cruise ship outbreak have been reported in the United States, and the risk of spread is considered very low.

 

Ebola

Update:

On June 5, 2026, CDC expanded the area of concern for this response to include the entire country of Uganda (was previously just the capital region of Kampala).

VDH Response:

  • VDH continues to closely monitor this situation and coordinate with federal, state, and local partners.
  • VDH is conducting public health symptom monitoring for travelers in Virginia who have been in the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan for 21 days after leaving an affected country. To protect the privacy and safety of people under monitoring, VDH will not publicly share any details about these individuals.
  • VDH shares information, coordinates, and plans with healthcare partners so that anyone who develops symptoms while under monitoring can be quickly isolated and evaluated by healthcare providers.
  • VDH coordinates with laboratory partners to make sure that potentially exposed people can be tested quickly if they become ill.
  • VDH continues to provide updates on the Virginia Ebola response on the VDH Ebola webpage.

Public Guidance:

To date, no Ebola cases associated with this outbreak have been reported in the United States, and the risk to the general public remains low.

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 measle. 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.

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Virginia Health Officials Investigating Another Measles Exposure in Central Region

May 29, 2026
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Health Officials Investigating Another Measles Exposure in Central Region
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health is reporting an additional measles exposure in a healthcare facility in the Central Region. This case is associated with the ongoing measles outbreak in Buckingham County. To protect the person’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the person. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed.

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

  • Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital located at 5801 Bremo Road in Richmond, between Wednesday, May 20 and Sunday, May 24 until noon.

To date in 2026, Virginia has reported 64 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

Anyone who was at the potential exposure site 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. 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 May 27 and June 14.
    • Contact your local health department or email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov to discuss any additional recommendations

Given the ongoing outbreak of measles in Buckingham County, all residents and visitors to Buckingham County should take additional steps to assess their immunity. In addition to routine vaccine recommendations, VDH encourages people who live in or visit the Buckingham County area to talk with their healthcare provider about the following outbreak vaccination recommendations:

  • Infants aged 6 to 11 months are advised to get an early dose of the MMR vaccine. Infants who receive an early dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should receive two more doses at the recommended ages at least 28 days apart.
  • Children aged 12 months to 18 years old who have not yet been vaccinated or never had measles infection should receive their first MMR vaccine dose with a second dose at least 28 days after the first dose.
  • Children aged 12 months or older who have previously received only one MMR dose should receive a second MMR vaccine dose at least 28 days after the first dose.
  • Adults born after 1957 who have not previously been vaccinated or never had measles infection should receive at least one dose of MMR vaccine. Adults in select risk groups should receive two doses of MMR at least 28 days apart.

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/. For additional questions, contact VDH’s Call Center at 877-829-4682 (Option 2 then Option 3 “Other”), The VDH Call Center is available Monday–Friday (except holidays) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Virginia Health Officials Investigating Measles Exposure in Central Region

May 28, 2026
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

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

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health is reporting a measles exposure in a healthcare facility in the Central Region. The patient is associated with the ongoing measles outbreak in Buckingham County. 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 location of the potential exposure site in Virginia:

  • Centra Southside Community Hospital Emergency Department located at 800 Oak St. in Farmville between 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 26

To date in 2026, Virginia has reported 64 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

Anyone who was at the potential exposure site 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. 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 June 2 and June 16.
    • Contact your local health department or email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov to discuss any additional recommendations

Given the ongoing outbreak of measles in Buckingham County, all residents and visitors to Buckingham County should take additional steps to assess their immunity. In addition to routine vaccine recommendations, VDH encourages people who live in or visit the Buckingham County area to talk with their healthcare provider about the following outbreak vaccination recommendations:

  • Infants aged 6 to 11 months are advised to get an early dose of the MMR vaccine. Infants who receive an early dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should receive two more doses at the recommended ages at least 28 days apart.
  • Children aged 12 months to 18 years old who have not yet been vaccinated or never had measles infection should receive their first MMR vaccine dose with a second dose at least 28 days after the first dose.
  • Children aged 12 months or older who have previously received only one MMR dose should receive a second MMR vaccine dose at least 28 days after the first dose.
  • Adults born after 1957 who have not previously been vaccinated or never had measles infection should receive at least one dose of MMR vaccine. Adults in select risk groups should receive two doses of MMR at least 28 days apart.

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 Department of Health Launches Measles Dashboard Amid Uptick in Measles Cases, Outbreak

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 21, 2026
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Health Launches Measles Dashboard Amid Uptick in Measles Cases, Outbreak

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is launching a new measles dashboard. 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.

“It’s important for Virginians to know what is happening in their communities in real time,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb. “This dashboard is our commitment to being as transparent as possible about the impact of measles across the Commonwealth. When people have clear, accessible information, they can make informed decisions to protect themselves and their families.”

The dashboard shows how many measles cases, hospitalizations, and deaths have been reported. You can also see case numbers by age, health district, and other key factors. Updates will be posted Tuesdays and Thursdays around noon.

To date in 2026, VDH has reported 40 cases of measles. Of those cases, 17 are related to an outbreak in Buckingham County. A measles outbreak is defined as three or more related cases among members of different households. The number of cases this year has quickly outpaced the five reported cases from last year.

Measles activity in the U.S., including Virginia, is rising due to increased travel-related exposures, both international and domestic, and declining national vaccination rates. Children younger than 12 months of age and others who are not vaccinated are very susceptible to infection if they are exposed to someone with measles.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best protection against measles. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective. If you or a loved one are not up-to-date with routine MMR vaccines, contact your healthcare provider or call your local health department to schedule a vaccine appointment today. People who live in or visit the Buckingham County area should talk with their healthcare provider about outbreak vaccine recommendations. This includes considering an early MMR dose for infants older than six months to provide protection while measles is circulating in the community.

Measles is highly contagious and can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. Most people in Virginia have immunity to measles through vaccination or previous infection with measles. Approximately 95% of kindergarteners in Virginia are fully vaccinated against measles. However, some communities within Virginia may have lower vaccination rates, making them more at risk to measles outbreaks. Fortunately, an increasing number of people are seeking to confirm their MMR vaccine status following Virginia measles exposure events.

For more information about measles, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/. For additional questions, contact VDH’s Call Center at 877-829-4682 (Option 2 then Option 3 “Other”), The VDH Call Center is available Monday–Friday (except holidays) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Virginia Health Officials Investigating a Measles Case in the Central Region

May 8, 2026
Media Contact: Brian Little, Central Virginia PIO, brian.little@vdh.virginia.gov 

Virginia Health Officials Investigating a Measles Case in the Central Region
Virginia Department of Health is Notifying the Community of Potential Risk 

BUCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting a confirmed case of measles in a school age child (5-12 years) in the Central Region. The patient did not travel and was exposed to measles locally. To protect the family’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient.  

Based on this information, VDH has reason to suspect that measles virus is circulating in the Buckingham County area, and that there are likely more cases than have been reported. VDH is advising people in the area to make sure they are up to date on their MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, watch for symptoms of measles, and if they feel sick to stay home and contact their healthcare provider. 

The MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles. Children usually receive their first MMR dose at one year of age and a second dose at four years of age. To check your vaccination history, visit the VDH Record Request Portal or contact your healthcare provider. 

Because VDH suspects community transmission in this area, in addition to routine vaccine recommendations described above, we encourage people who live in or visit Buckingham County or the surrounding areas to talk with their healthcare provider about the following vaccine recommendations: 

  • Infants ages 6 to 11 months are advised to get an early dose of the MMR vaccine. Infants who receive an early dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should receive two more doses at the recommended ages and at least 28 days apart.   
  • Children aged 12 months or older and adults who have not yet been vaccinated or never had measles infection are advised to get an MMR vaccine dose with a second dose at least 28 days after the first dose. 
  • Children aged 12 months or older who have previously received only one MMR dose are advised to get a second MMR vaccine dose at least 28 days after the first dose. 
  • Adults who have previously received only one MMR dose should consider a second MMR vaccine dose at least 28 days after the first dose.  

Buckingham County residents can call Piedmont Health Department at 434-969-4244 to schedule a vaccination appointment. 

Free or low-cost vaccines are available through Virginia’s Vaccines for Children (VFC) and Vaccines for Adults (VFA) programs for those who are eligible. Locate a VFC or VFA provider on the VDH Website.  

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.  

If you experience symptoms of measles, stay home and away from others. Contact a 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.  

Contact your local health department or the Piedmont Health Department at 434-392-3984 for any additional recommendations.  

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

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