Measles outbreak in Virginia county grows to nearly 90 cases

A measles outbreak in Buckingham County, Virginia, has escalated to nearly 90 confirmed cases, prompting state health officials to issue advisories. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reported that as of June 11, 2026, the state has recorded 111 measles cases in the first half of the year, with the vast majority linked to the Buckingham outbreak that began on May 13.

State health officials are urging anyone experiencing measles symptoms, who is unvaccinated, or unsure of their immunity status to avoid large gatherings and crowded settings in the affected area. Measles is described as easily preventable through vaccination, with two doses of the MMR vaccine providing lifetime protection. The VDH attributes the rise in cases to increased travel-related exposures and declining national vaccination rates, noting that while Virginia generally has high vaccination rates, some communities may have lower rates, making them more susceptible.

Symptoms of measles typically begin with a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and cough, appearing 7 to 14 days after exposure. This is followed by a rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body, usually three to five days after the initial symptoms. Measles is highly contagious for four days before and four days after the rash appears. The VDH recommends that individuals born before 1957 or those who have received two MMR vaccine doses are considered immune. For infants aged six to 11 months, an early MMR dose may be recommended during the outbreak.