Second measles case in Virginia this year reported in Northern Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The second measles case of 2026 has been reported in Northern Virginia.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has reported a second measles case in Virginia this year from a child between the ages of zero and four. They are located in Northern Virginia, and recently traveled abroad.

VDH stated that the following locations are potential exposure sites:

• Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center Emergency Department and Executive Medicine Suite, located at 9300 DeWitt Loop in Fort Belvoir, on Friday, Jan. 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight.
• Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 175 from William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA, at 9 p.m. to Washington Union Station at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7.

Most people have immunity to measles through the vaccine, but anyone who has been to the exposed sites should do the following:

• Check if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had it previously.
  • Check with your provider or request records from the VDH Record Request Portal. If you have received both doses of the vaccine or were born before 1957, you are protected.
• Anyone who has been exposed and is not immune should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
  • There is only a short time period where protective post exposure treatment will be effective.
• Monitor yourself to see if symptoms develop.
  • Measles is a highly contagious disease and can be spread through the air or through contact with infected nose and throat fluids.
  • There are two stages of symptoms. The first includes a fever, runny nose, red eyes and cough. The second begins a few days later with a red blotchy rash that spreads over the body and can last between five to six days.
• If you notice symptoms, immediately isolate at home and contact your healthcare provider.

More information can be found on the VDH website here.