Virginia confirms first measles case this year; it's a child under 4, health officials say
The Virginia Department of Health confirmed the state’s first measles case of the year, making it the 26th state to report cases amid a concerning outbreak.
The case in Virginia involves a child between the ages of 1 and 4 who lives in the state’s Northwest region and recently traveled internationally, according to the health department. It is unclear if the child was vaccinated, as the department did not provide additional information about the patient to protect the family’s privacy.
“This first case of measles in Virginia this year is a reminder of how easily this highly contagious disease can spread, particularly with international travel,” State Epidemiologist Laurie Forlano said in a news release. “Vaccination remains our best defense against measles and is safe and highly effective at protecting people and preventing outbreaks. We urge Virginians, especially those planning to travel, to check their vaccination status, talk to their health care provider, and get the MMR vaccine if needed.”
As of April 17, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 24 states have confirmed 800 cases of measles: Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Washington state.
Only four months into 2025, the country’s current outbreaks have eclipsed the 285 measles cases reported in 2024.
Where are the potential exposure sites in Virginia?
According to the state health department, the potential exposure sites include:
- Kaiser Permanente Caton Hill Medical Center, Advanced Urgent Care, located at 13285 Minnieville Road in Woodbridge, on April 15 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Kaiser Permanente Fredericksburg Medical Center, Pediatrics Department, located at 1201 Hospital Drive in Fredericksburg, on April 16 from noon to 5 p.m.
What should people do if they have been exposed?
People who have not contracted measles are advised to get a measles-containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine or a measles-only vaccine, which is available in other countries).
According to the state health department, those who have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or were born before 1957 are protected and do not need to take any action. Even one dose of a measles-containing vaccine is very likely to protect from infection.
If you believe you have been exposed to measles, the state health department strongly recommends you:
- Contact your healthcare provider immediately.
- Watch for symptoms for 21 days after the date of the potential exposure. If any symptoms of measles are exhibited, immediately isolate yourself by staying home.
- Call your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room before going to your healthcare provider’s office to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department.
- Consult with your healthcare provider if you have an immunocompromising condition for questions or if you develop symptoms.
US reaches measles milestone
So far, 10 measles outbreaks, defined as three or more related cases, have been reported in 2025, and 94% of confirmed cases (751 of 800) are outbreak-associated, according to figures posted by the CDC.
For comparison, 16 outbreaks were reported during 2024, and 69% of cases (198 of 285) were outbreak-associated, the agency added.
The CDC said eleven percent (85) of the confirmed 800 cases resulted in hospitalizations. There have been three measles-related deaths in 2025, according to the agency.
The Texas health department reported more than 540 measles cases, according to the state’s health department, which confirmed that two unvaccinated children with no underlying health conditions have died from the illness, including an 8-year-old girl.
Contributing: Adrianna Rodriguez/ Paste BN
This story has been updated to add new information.