Measles Cases Rise in Northern Virginia, Health Officials Issue Exposure Warnings
Health officials in Northern Virginia are investigating a recent increase in measles cases, with potential public exposures reported in Fairfax and Prince William Counties. As of , eight cases have been confirmed in Virginia this year, prompting alerts for individuals who may have been exposed.
The latest confirmed case involves an adult who may have exposed others at several locations in Lorton, Fairfax County, last week. According to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), the individual had recently traveled internationally. Public exposure sites include:
- Giant Food, located at 8941 Ox Road in Lorton, between and on .
- Inova-GoHealth Urgent Care, Lorton Marketplace, located at 9427 Lorton Market St. In Lorton, between and on .
- Inova HealthPlex Lorton Emergency Room, located at 9321 Sanger St. In Lorton, between and on .
These exposures follow earlier confirmed cases and potential exposure sites identified in January and early February. From through , potential exposures occurred at the Ian Apartment Complex in Herndon. Additional locations included Kumo Sushi and Target in Reston, and the Harris Teeter and Fairfax County Animal Shelter in Herndon, with exposure dates ranging from to .
Several of the earlier cases involved individuals who also spent time in Washington, D.C., potentially leading to further exposures.
Understanding Measles and Potential Symptoms
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically begin days after exposure, but can appear as late as in cases related to these recent exposures. Initial symptoms include a fever, runny nose, watery eyes, and a cough. A rash typically appears three to five days after these initial symptoms.
Most of the cases reported in Virginia this year have involved children aged four years and under, although the most recent case is in an adult. The vast majority of cases are among Northern Virginia residents, with only one case identified in Central Virginia.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Exposed
Individuals concerned about potential exposure are urged to complete a questionnaire available through the Virginia Department of Health: https://redcap.vdh.virginia.gov/redcap/surveys/?s=KPHY4M4RYHWD9MT7. Health officials will follow up with individuals who may need further guidance.
Protection against measles is generally achieved through two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Individuals born before are generally considered immune, as they were likely exposed to the virus naturally before widespread vaccination.
If you are unsure of your vaccination status, you can request your immunization records from your healthcare provider or through the VDH online portal: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/request-immunization-record/.
For those who may have been exposed and are not fully vaccinated, health officials recommend contacting their local health department. Post-exposure treatment may be available within a specific timeframe.
Anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with measles should stay home and contact their healthcare provider. Healthcare providers are advised to immediately triage patients presenting with fever and rash, especially those with a history of exposure to the identified locations or recent international travel. Precautions, such as placing a surgical mask on the patient and considering evaluation outside the facility, are recommended to minimize potential spread.
The Fairfax County Health Department is actively conducting contact investigations to inform residents who may have been exposed and provide appropriate prophylaxis when indicated.
