The Virginia Department of Health has confirmed its first measles case of the year, and it’s a child under 4 who recently traveled abroad. The child, who lives in the northwest part of Virginia, was identified after returning from international travel, health officials said. Specific details about the child haven’t been released, but the state is working to track down anyone who may have been exposed.

Virginia joins the list of states dealing with measles outbreaks this year—eight states in total, with Michigan declaring its first outbreak in five years just this week. Talk about a comeback no one asked for.

Laurie Forlano, an epidemiologist with Virginia’s health department, emphasized the ease with which measles can spread, especially when international travel is involved. She highlighted that the MMR vaccine remains the most reliable shield against the disease, noting it’s both safe and highly effective. Two doses are recommended for lifetime protection.

Virginians—especially those planning to travel—are being urged to check their vaccination status, speak with their healthcare providers, and get the MMR vaccine if needed. In Virginia, about 95% of kindergartners are already vaccinated, but infants too young for the shot and unvaccinated individuals are still at risk.

Potential exposure sites have been identified at two Kaiser Permanente medical centers: anyone at the Caton Hill Medical Center Advanced Urgent Care from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday or the Fredericksburg Medical Center Pediatrics Department from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday may have come in contact with the virus.

For those with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or anyone born before 1957, the risk is practically zero. For everyone else, especially infants and the unvaccinated, caution is advised. Infants 6 to 11 months old who will be traveling internationally or to areas with outbreaks should get one dose of the MMR vaccine before they go.

Measles is infamous for being highly contagious, spreading through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even just breathes. Symptoms typically appear in two stages: first, a fever over 101 degrees, runny nose, red eyes, and cough develop seven to 14 days after exposure. Then, three to five days later, a rash breaks out on the face and eventually covers the body. People are contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after.

With outbreaks cropping up in more states, health officials are stressing vigilance and vaccination to prevent further spread. For a disease as sneaky and persistent as measles, a shot in the arm really does go a long way.

Epidemic News

Virginia Reports First Measles Case of Year in Young Child After International Trip