The measles outbreak in Buckingham County keeps growing, with the number of confirmed cases reaching 69, according to the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) measles dashboard as of Monday, June 8.

This outbreak has already led to more infections than any of the past five years, and it has surpassed the total from the 2021 outbreak. It’s likely to keep growing.

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“While we actively investigate each new case we are likely to continue identifying new cases,” said Emily Rich, a vaccine-preventable disease epidemiologist at VDH. “I can’t predict the future anymore than anyone else, but I can say that measles is very contagious. Nine out of 10 people who are exposed to measles will develop symptoms if they’re not immune. Which means measles can spread very rapidly through households and through undervaccinated communities.”

There are also two known public exposure sites that state health officials want everyone to be aware of.

The first is Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond. The exposure window was Wednesday, May 20, to Sunday, May 24, until noon. Anyone who was there within this window should monitor for symptoms until June 14.

The second is Centra Southside Community Hospital Emergency Department in Farmville, on May 26, between 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Anyone visiting the ED during that time period should watch for symptoms until June 19. 

These places are the only public sites of measles exposure that VDH officials have identified. In the case of smaller exposure sites where everyone present could be identified, such as a childcare facility or doctor’s office, VDH would contact those affected people directly, according to its website.

“We have been actively investigating new cases and contact tracing to the best of our ability. And that has led to the identification of additional cases,” said Rich. 

While highly contagious, measles is highly preventable with vaccines. “MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccines are safe and effective, and that is the best way to protect yourself against measles. Two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles, and that projection lasts your entire life,” Rich told Charlottesville Tomorrow in May. 

Statewide, out of the 91 measles cases reported this year, 86% were among people without vaccination records. Only 64.6% of 5-year-olds in Buckingham county have the complete series of vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella. Some neighboring counties, such as Cumberland, Prince Edward, Appomattox and Amherst have lower rates.

The first case in the current measles outbreak was identified and announced on May 8. Health officials couldn’t identify any source of the exposure, which led them to conclude it was local and more cases were to be expected. Indeed, more followed soon after.

Take action

Check your MMR vaccine status and learn about measles symptoms

The Virginia Department of Health has declared a measles outbreak in Buckingham county and is encouraging everyone to check their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination status.

To check your MMR vaccination status, use the VDH Record Request Portal or contact your healthcare provider. Learn more about measles symptoms and read frequently asked questions here.

If you believe you were exposed, you can report it here. You can find any new exposure sites reported by VDH here.

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