The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has confirmed the state’s first measles case this year, involving a child under four who had recently traveled outside the country. While not many details about the child have been shared, it’s known that they reside in the northwest area of Virginia. Health authorities are working together to track down anyone who might have come into contact with the child, as per the VDH’s news release.
Recently, measles outbreaks have been identified in eight different states, with Michigan announcing its first case in five years just last Thursday. In Michigan, the Department of Health and Human Services, along with the Oakland County Health Division, verified the initial measles case in Oakland County on March 14. This brings the state’s total to eight cases detected this year.
Laurie Forlano, a VDH epidemiologist, pointed out that this first Virginia measles case serves as a reminder of how quickly this extremely contagious disease can spread, especially with international travel. She emphasized that the MMR vaccination is the best form of protection, stating it is “safe and highly effective” at preventing outbreaks and safeguarding individuals. To ensure lifelong protection, two doses of the vaccine are recommended.
Forlano advised Virginians, particularly those planning to travel, to verify their vaccination status and consult with their healthcare provider about getting the MMR vaccine if needed. In Texas, a measles advisory has been posted at the Gaines County Courthouse to inform the public.
Officials have notified the public that anyone present at the Kaiser Permanente Caton Hill Medical Center Advanced Urgent Care between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, or at the Kaiser Permanente Fredericksburg Medical Center Pediatrics Department from noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, might have been exposed to measles. If someone has received a measles-containing vaccine, they may still be at risk of developing measles. However, those who received two doses of the vaccine or were born before 1957 are considered protected.
In Virginia, vaccination rates are high, with about 95% of kindergartners fully vaccinated. Yet, infants too young for vaccination and unvaccinated individuals remain vulnerable to measles. Infants aged 6 to 11 months who will be traveling internationally or to outbreak areas should get one dose of the MMR vaccine before their trip.
According to the VDH, measles is highly contagious and can easily spread through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Symptoms typically develop in two stages, with the first stage manifesting seven to 14 days post-exposure, characterized by a high fever, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough.
The second stage occurs three to five days after initial symptoms, marked by a rash beginning on the face and then spreading to the rest of the body. Health officials warn that individuals with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears to four days after it emerges. Fox News Digital has shared insights from Angelica Stabile, contributing to the overall coverage of this health concern.
