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The massive measles outbreak in Buckingham County, Virginia, continues to grow, nearing 90 confirmed cases. State health officials are asking anyone who may be sick or who is not vaccinated to avoid large gatherings.
Measles, a highly infectious and potentially serious disease, has been on the rise across America, with the nation seeing a historic uptick in cases. As of Thursday, June 11, Virginia has seen 111 confirmed cases of measles during the first half of 2026, according to the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) measles dashboard.
The vast majority of these cases are related to an ongoing outbreak in Buckingham. Originally reported on May 13, this outbreak has sickened at least 88 people in less than a month. State health officials caution that additional unreported or undiscovered cases may exist.
The VDH stresses that measles is “easily preventable” through vaccination, with two doses of this vaccine providing lifetime protection.
State health officials credit this sharp rise in cases to “increased travel-related exposures, both international and domestic, and declining national vaccination rates.” While Virginia has overall high vaccination rates against measles, “some communities within Virginia may have lower vaccination rates, making them more susceptible to measles outbreaks,” the VDH said.
“Because measles is actively circulating in this community [Buckingham,] VDH advises anyone who is not vaccinated against measles, is unsure of their immunity status, or is experiencing symptoms consistent with measles to skip large gatherings, crowded settings and community events in the outbreak area until the outbreak subsides,” the VDH said in a June 11 press release.
How do I know if I’m vulnerable to measles?
Measles is a highly infectious disease that is easily spread through the air or by direct contact with mucus or throat discharge from the infected person. As measles is contagious for four days before a rash appears and for four days afterwards, it can be spread even before someone knows they are sick.
If you have received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, or if you were born before 1957, you are considered safe from measles.
Those who have only received one dose of the vaccine are not fully protected, but they are “very likely” to be protected, per the VDH.
If you were born after 1957 and have not been fully vaccinated, you are considered vulnerable to measles.
“VDH encourages anyone who lives in, works in, or plans to visit the Buckingham County area to review their vaccination status and talk with their healthcare provider about outbreak vaccination recommendations,” the VDH said in the release. “During this outbreak, healthcare providers may recommend an early MMR dose for infants six through 11 months of age to provide protection while measles continues to circulate in the community.”
I’m vulnerable — what symptoms should I look out for?
During the first stage of a measles infection, sick people often see a fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, a runny nose, red and watery eyes and a cough, according to state health officials. If you were exposed and infected, these symptoms would likely appear within 7 to 14 days of said exposure.
The sickness usually progresses to its second stage about three to five days after the first stage begins. Sick people will start to notice a rash on their face, which will spread to the rest of their body.
As said above, measles is contagious for four days before the rash appears and for four days afterwards.
If you start experiencing any of these symptoms, you should immediately self-isolate to prevent additional exposures to others.