As the number of confirmed measles cases related to the outbreak in Buckingham County keeps growing, reaching 88 as of Thursday, June 11, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is asking community members to help slow down the spread.
Specifically, health officials are asking community members who are unvaccinated against measles, unsure of their immunity status or have symptoms consistent with measles to avoid large gatherings, events and crowded settings until the outbreak subsides.
That includes — but is not limited to — the Amish Parochial School Consignment Auction, which is scheduled to take place on Friday, June 12, and Saturday, June 13, in Dillwyn, health officials said.
Measles is a very contagious infectious disease that spreads through the air that an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs.
“A person with measles can spread the virus from four days before until four days after a rash begins, meaning someone can spread measles before they know they are sick,” a VDH health advisory issued on Thursday, June 11, said.
Measles is also highly preventable with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and VDH has issued additional vaccination recommendations for people in Buckingham County or connected to it.
Take action
Check your measles 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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