Virginia’s first measles case of 2025 has been confirmed, involving a child under the age of 4 who recently traveled internationally. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that as of April 17, 24 states have seen over 800 cases of measles, with the country witnessing a significant surge in outbreaks.
State Epidemiologist Laurie Forlano warned that measles is highly contagious, especially during international travel, and emphasized the importance of vaccination as the best defense. She urged Virginians to check their vaccination status and get vaccinated if needed.
The potential exposure sites in Virginia include Kaiser Permanente facilities in Woodbridge and Fredericksburg, where patients were present between April 15 and 16. If you believe you have been exposed, contact your healthcare provider immediately and watch for symptoms of measles, such as fever and rash, for 21 days after the potential exposure date.
According to the CDC, so far this year, there have been 10 reported measles outbreaks in the US, with 94% of confirmed cases linked to outbreak-associated transmissions. The agency also reported that hospitalizations account for 11% of confirmed cases, resulting in three measles-related deaths in 2025.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/04/19/virginia-confirms-first-measles-case/83176486007