The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is investigating a confirmed case of measles involving an out-of-state resident who traveled through the Central and Southwest regions of Virginia while infectious. The department is working to identify individuals who may have been exposed at several locations.
According to VDH, the individual visited the following sites during their infectious period: The Home Depot in South Hill on December 5 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Wagon Wheel Cafe in Kenbridge on December 6 from 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Lynchburg Livestock Market in Rustburg on December 8 from 3:15 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and McDonald’s at Wards Road in Rustburg on December 8 from 4:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Additional exposure sites may be posted on the VDH Measles website as they are identified.
Virginia State Epidemiologist Laurie Forlano stated, “Vaccination remains the best protection against measles. This latest exposure is a good reminder to check your vaccination status, especially before holiday travel.”
Most Virginians are immune to measles due to vaccination, so health officials say the risk to the general public is low. However, those present at any of the listed locations during the specified times should verify their immunization status and monitor for symptoms for up to three weeks after possible exposure.
People with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or those born before 1957 are considered protected. Anyone uncertain about their vaccination history can contact their healthcare provider or use resources such as the VDH Record Request Portal.
Individuals who develop symptoms—such as fever, runny nose, red eyes, cough, followed by a rash—should isolate themselves and notify their healthcare provider before seeking care in person. This measure helps prevent further spread within healthcare settings.
Measles spreads easily through airborne droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. People are contagious from four days before until four days after developing a rash.
The MMR vaccine provides effective lifelong protection against measles when both recommended doses are administered. About 95% of kindergarteners in Virginia have received full vaccination coverage against measles.
Infants under one year old and others not vaccinated remain at higher risk if exposed; infants traveling internationally or into outbreak areas should receive one dose prior to travel.
For more information about measles and updates on potential exposure sites, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/.
