Virginia reports 40 measles cases

Virginia health officials said on May 21 that the state had recorded 40 measles cases so far this year and launched a public dashboard to track them. The Virginia Department of Health said 17 of those cases were tied to an outbreak in Buckingham County, which the state confirmed on May 13. The agency said the dashboard will show cases, hospitalizations, deaths, age groups and health districts, with updates posted Tuesdays and Thursdays around noon. State Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb said the tool was intended to show Virginians “what is happening in their communities in real time.” ### How large is Virginia’s measles problem right now? Virginia’s 40 reported cases in 2026 have already surpassed the five measles cases the state reported in all of 2025, according to the health department. The dashboard data reported by local outlets said 13% of the cases had required hospitalization and that no deaths had been reported as of May 21. State reporting also showed 83% of the cases were in unvaccinated people. (vdh.virginia.gov) Buckingham County’s cluster is the state’s only publicly identified outbreak so far. The health department defines an outbreak as three or more related cases among members of different households. Virginia said the state’s recent cases have been linked to travel, both international and domestic, and to household or close-contact spread. (vdh.virginia.gov) ### Why is Buckingham County getting special attention? Buckingham County was identified by Virginia on May 13 as an outbreak area. The state measles page says residents and visitors there should take extra steps to assess whether they are immune, and should speak with a healthcare provider about outbreak vaccine recommendations. Infants ages 6 through 11 months in an outbreak area are advised to get an early MMR dose after discussion with a healthcare provider, according to Virginia guidance. (vdh.virginia.gov) The state also says children 12 months through 18 years old who have not been vaccinated or have never had measles should receive a first MMR dose, followed by a second dose at least 28 days later. (vdh.virginia.gov) ### What should families actually do if they think they were exposed? Virginia says people who may have been exposed should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after the exposure date. The state lists cough, runny nose, rash and red, itchy eyes among measles symptoms, and says anyone with symptoms should contact a healthcare provider right away and call ahead before going to a clinic or emergency room. (vdh.virginia.gov) The health department also says people should check whether they have been vaccinated or had measles previously. Virginia says people who have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or who were born before 1957, are considered protected and do not need post-exposure treatment at that time. (vdh.virginia.gov) ### What does this mean for schools and child care? Virginia’s school guidance says measles can disrupt learning because students may be out with illness or excluded from school after exposure. The agency told K-12 schools to maintain up-to-date vaccination records, identify students and staff without documentation of two MMR doses, and prepare to isolate anyone with measles-like symptoms until they can go home or be evaluated. (vdh.virginia.gov) The state says documentary proof of age-appropriate immunization is required for attendance at public or private schools, child care centers, nursery schools, family day care homes and developmental centers. Virginia also recommends that schools communicate with families about routine immunizations and consider partnering with local health departments on vaccination clinics. (vdh.virginia.gov) ### Why are officials emphasizing travel now? Virginia health officials said measles activity is rising nationally and in the state because of increased travel-related exposures and declining vaccination rates. In a May 1 notice about a traveler who moved through Washington Dulles International Airport, the department urged people to make sure they were up to date on MMR vaccination and to watch for symptoms for 21 days after a potential exposure. (vdh.virginia.gov) The next public update is expected on Virginia’s measles dashboard around noon on Tuesday, May 26, under the department’s twice-weekly posting schedule. Families can also use the state measles page to check exposure notices, request immunization records and review outbreak vaccine recommendations for Buckingham County. (vdh.virginia.gov)