Health officials urge vaccination, vigilance after second Virginia measles case confirmed

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia health officials are urging residents to stay alert after confirming the state’s second measles case this year, diagnosed in a teenager in Charlottesville.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced the diagnosis on Friday, May 23. The case is part of a concerning national trend, according to Dr. Randy Gordon, Virginia’s former health commissioner.

“Something’s going on where we’re seeing more measles cases,” Gordon said. “And the likely explanation for that is children not being vaccinated.”

Nationwide, the number of measles cases has sharply increased in 2025. Gordon said the U.S. has already recorded approximately 1,200 cases -- a number that is significantly higher than recent years.

“Most years, it’s been less than 100 since the mid-1990s,” he said. “So, for the most part, we had measles under control.”

FROM APRIL: Child diagnosed with measles confirmed as first case in Virginia

The teen diagnosed in Charlottesville reportedly visited several public places before being identified as contagious. The VDH listed five specific locations and times where exposure may have occurred:

• Charlottesville Albemarle Airport
  • Tuesday, May 20, between 2:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
• Play It Again Sports, 1885 Seminole Trail
  • Tuesday, May 20, between 2:40 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• Goodwill Store and Donation Center, 440 Gander Drive
  • Tuesday, May 20, from 3:10 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• UVA Health Primary Care Riverside, 2335 Seminole Lane, Suite 200
  • Thursday, May 22, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:10 p.m.
• UVA Health University Medical Center Emergency Department, 1215 Lee St.
  • Friday, May 23, from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus that can also linger on surfaces, Gordon said.

“If you don’t have immunity and you’re coming to an area where someone who has been infected is spreading the virus, the chances of becoming ill with it are not in your favor," he said.

Gordon said that early symptoms resemble those of a common cold and typically appear one to two weeks after exposure. After that, a rash develops, which typically starts on the face and spreads to the whole body.

Measles is contagious from four days before the rash appears to four days afterwards, per the VDH.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all individuals receive two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which provides strong protection against the virus.

"Those who choose not to be vaccinated or whose parents don’t vaccinate them for whatever reason, they are not immune,” Gordon said.

The VDH urges anyone who may have been exposed to monitor for symptoms for 21 days after potential contact. Those who are unvaccinated or unsure of their immunity status are advised to contact their healthcare provider immediately.