Virginia Measles Outbreak Public Health Alert

Detected February 13th, 2026

Summary

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has issued a public health alert regarding a measles outbreak, reporting eight cases in 2026. The alert provides general information on measles, its prevention through vaccination, and details on confirmed cases and exposure locations within Virginia.

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What changed

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has issued a public health alert concerning a measles outbreak, with eight cases reported in 2026 and five in 2025. The alert details the contagiousness of the measles virus, its symptoms, and the critical role of the MMR/MMRV vaccine in prevention. It also outlines who is considered immune based on vaccination history or prior infection, and provides guidance on checking immunization status.

This notice serves as a public health advisory, highlighting the current outbreak and potential exposure risks within Virginia. While not imposing new regulatory requirements, it emphasizes the importance of vaccination and public awareness for disease control. Healthcare providers and public health authorities should be aware of the reported cases and potential for further spread, and individuals are encouraged to verify their immunity status and consult healthcare providers if unsure.

What to do next

Review current measles vaccination policies and procedures.
Ensure staff are aware of the current measles outbreak in Virginia and potential exposure risks.
Advise individuals seeking to confirm immunity to consult healthcare providers or request vaccination records from VDH.

Source document (simplified)

Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus that lives in the nose and throat of an infected person.

The virus is released when an infected person breathes or coughs. It spreads easily from person to person through the air or by direct contact with nose or throat discharges from someone who is infected. Measles symptoms include fever and a rash that starts on the face at the hairline and spreads to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. A cough, runny nose, or red, itchy eyes might also be present. Symptoms usually begin 7–14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure. Measles is a serious illness that can cause complications that lead to hospitalization and even death.

Measles is easily preventable.

A safe and effective vaccine that prevents measles is given as part of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine or the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine series. Since measles-containing vaccines became available in the United States, the disease has become rare in this country. Over 90% of the U.S. population is vaccinated against measles and approximately 95% of kindergarteners in Virginia are vaccinated against measles. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. The first dose is routinely recommended at age 12-15 months and the second dose is recommended before kindergarten entry (age 4-6 years). Infants 6-11 months of age may receive a dose of MMR vaccine prior to traveling internationally or to regions experiencing a measles outbreak. Th is dose does not count towards the MMR vaccine series, and they should still receive two doses separated by at least 28 days after they reach 12 months of age.

Am I protected against measles?

You are considered immune and protected against measles if you have written documentation (records) showing at least one of the following:

You received two doses of measles-containing vaccine, and you are a(n)
- School-aged child (grades K-12)
- Adult who will be in a setting that poses a high risk for measles transmission, including students at post-high school education institutions, healthcare personnel, and international travelers.
You received one dose of measles-containing vaccine, and you are a(n)
- Preschool-aged child
- Adult who will not be in a setting that poses a high risk for measles transmission, including students at post-high school education institutions, healthcare personnel, and international travelers.
A laboratory confirmed that you had measles at some point in your life.
A laboratory confirmed that you are immune to measles.
You were born before 1957. If you’re unsure whether you’re immune to measles, you should first try to find your vaccination records or documentation of measles immunity. To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request your records from VDH.

Measles in Virginia: 2026

VDH has reported eight cases of measles in 2026. VDH reported f ive cases of measles in 2025. VDH also continues to report public exposure locations in Virginia related to confirmed cases of measles.

| Region | Counts* |
| --- | --- |
| Central Region | 1 |
| Eastern Region | 0 |
| Northern Region | 7 |
| Northwest Region | 0 |
| Southwest Region | 0 |
| Total | 8 |

| Age Group | Counts* |
| --- | --- |
| 0-4 years | 6 |
| 5-12 years | 0 |
| 13-17 years | 0 |
| 18+ years | 2 |
| Total | 8 |
T ables will be updated as new cases are reported. Last updated: Feb. 16, 2026.

VDH issues notifications when an investigation identifies a specific time and place where someone with measles may have been in a public setting.

What to do if you were exposed:

Monitor for symptoms: If you were exposed, especially if you are not immune through vaccination or previous infection, watch for symptoms of measles.
Report your exposure: Complete this short survey to notify your local health department. Public health officials will contact you if additional steps are needed.
If you are experiencing symptoms of measles: Contact a healthcare provider right away. Call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room. Tell them you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to contact the local health department. This helps protect other patients and staff.

Important notes:

The risk of exposure is limited to the specific dates and times announced. Once that period has passed, the location is not an ongoing risk for measles exposure.
Businesses and locations listed are not responsible for the presence of someone with measles.

Active Exposure Sites:

| Location | Date and Time | Last Day of Symptom Watch |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Heathcote Health Center 15195 Heathcote Blvd
Haymarket, VA | Thursday, Jan. 29
1:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. | Feb. 19, 2026 |
| Fairfax County Animal Shelter - West Ox Campus 4500 West Ox Road
Fairfax, VA | Saturday, Jan. 31
3 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Feb. 21, 2026 |
| The Ian Apartment Complex 2249 Woodland Grove Place
Herndon, VA | Friday, Jan. 23 - Saturday Jan. 31 | Feb. 13, 2026 - Feb. 21, 2026
(21 days from last date of exposure) |
| Giant Food 8941 Ox Road
Lorton, VA | Wednesday, Feb. 11
3:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. | March 4, 2026 |
| Inova-GoHealth Urgent Care – Lorton Marketplace 9427 Lorton Market St.
Lorton, VA | Friday, Feb. 13
9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | March 6, 2026 |
| Inova HealthPlex Lorton Emergency Room 9321 Sanger St.
Lorton, VA | Saturday, Feb. 14
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | March 7, 2026 |
T able will be updated when additional exposures are identified. Last updated: Feb. 17, 2026.

Virginia residents with questions about measles can email the Virginia Department Health at epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov or contact their local health department.

VDH News Releases: