Stay Alert: Virginia Department of Health Issues Measles Exposure Alert in Woodbridge and Fredericksburg – What You Need to Know!

The Virginia Department of Health has reported the state’s first measles case of the year. The patient is a child under four who may have exposed others at clinics in Woodbridge and Fredericksburg.

This child recently traveled internationally and lives in a region that includes Stafford, Fauquier, and Rappahannock counties. For privacy reasons, no further details about the patient will be released.

Health officials are now working to identify anyone who might have come into contact with the child. Potential exposure occurred at the following locations:

• Kaiser Permanente Caton Hill Medical Center, Woodbridge: April 15, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Kaiser Permanente Fredericksburg Medical Center, Pediatrics Department: April 16, noon to 5 p.m.

If you were at these locations during these times and have never received a measles vaccine, you could be at risk. It’s important to reach out to your healthcare provider immediately.

After exposure, watch for symptoms for 21 days. If you start showing signs of measles, like a high fever, cough, or a rash, stay at home and call your provider. This helps to protect others from possible infection.

Interestingly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported a resurgence of measles in the U.S., largely due to vaccine hesitancy. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases; it can spread through coughing and sneezing even before symptoms appear. According to a CDC study, measles was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but since then, outbreaks have occurred, mainly affecting unvaccinated populations.

If you or someone you know has only received one dose of the measles vaccine, your risk of infection is low, but consider getting the second dose for better protection.

Those who have had two doses or were born before 1957 are generally considered immune. It’s vital to always check your immunization status, which you can do by contacting your healthcare provider.

For further information, you can visit the Virginia Department of Health’s measles page. Staying informed and taking action can help keep our communities safe.

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