Virginia Reports Second Measles Case in 2025
A teenager who recently traveled overseas has been diagnosed with measles, marking the second confirmed case in Virginia this year. The announcement was made by state health officials on May 23. The teen returned to the Charlottesville Albemarle Airport in Virginia and subsequently visited several public locations while potentially contagious.
According to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), the affected teen resides in the Northwest Region of Virginia, which encompasses a wide area including Charlottesville and surrounding counties. To maintain the family’s privacy, the health department has refrained from providing further personal details about the patient.
Potential Exposure Locations
Officials have identified multiple venues where individuals may have been exposed to measles. Those who visited the following places during the specified times are urged to take precautionary measures:
- Charlottesville Albemarle Airport: May 20, 2:15 PM – 5:30 PM
- Play it Again Sports, 1885 Seminole Trail: May 20, 2:40 PM – 5 PM
- Goodwill Store and Donation Center, 440 Gander Drive: May 20, 3:10 PM – 5:30 PM
- UVA Health Primary Care Riverside, 2335 Seminole Lane, Suite 200: May 22, 2 PM – 7:10 PM
- UVA Health University Medical Center Emergency Department, 1215 Lee St: May 23, 12 AM – 6 AM
Health officials are proactively notifying anyone who may have been exposed in these areas. They stress that individuals who are not fully vaccinated should contact their healthcare provider promptly.
Understanding Measles and Vaccination
Measles is recognized as a highly contagious viral infection that can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even breathes. Initial symptoms often include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, progressing to a characteristic rash. Importantly, individuals remain contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after.
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is highlighted as a safe and effective preventative measure. Two doses offer lifelong protection against the disease, and Virginia maintains a commendable vaccination rate, with approximately 95 percent of kindergarteners fully vaccinated.
Despite these high rates, infants who are too young to receive the vaccine and individuals who remain unvaccinated are particularly vulnerable to measles. Infants aged between six to eleven months who will be traveling internationally or to areas experiencing outbreaks are advised to receive a single dose of the MMR vaccine prior to their journey.
Emerging Contagion Concerns
This recent case is significant, especially when considering that Virginia's first measles case of the year was reported in April involving a child under four years old. As health officials actively manage the situation, it's vital for community members who may exhibit measles symptoms to stay home, isolate, and contact medical facilities ahead of time.
The urgency of addressing these two cases comes amid a broader rising trend of measles infections across North America. Recent figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate a total of 1,046 confirmed measles cases, a notable increase nationally. Outbreaks in states like Texas and regions in Canada further emphasize the critical nature of maintaining high vaccination rates and the importance of public awareness regarding this ancient but still dangerous illness.
This is an evolving story and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. For further guidance on protecting oneself against measles, residents are encouraged to consult the Virginia Department of Health’s resources.
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