RICHMOND, Va. (7News) — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has confirmed the state's first measles case of the year, involving a child aged 0-4 in the Northwest Region who recently traveled internationally.
To protect the family's privacy, no further details about the patient will be disclosed, per VDH policy. Health officials are actively working to identify anyone who may have been exposed.
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"This first case of measles in Virginia this year is a reminder of how easily this highly contagious disease can spread, particularly with international travel," said VDH State Epidemiologist Laurie Forlano, D.O., M.P.H. "Vaccination remains our best defense against measles and is safe and highly effective at protecting people and preventing outbreaks. We urge Virginians, especially those planning to travel, to check their vaccination status, talk to their health care provider, and get the MMR vaccine if needed."
Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of potential exposure sites in Virginia:
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 712 confirmed measles cases across 25 states as of April 11.
Nearby, the Maryland Department of Health reported three cases in March, including one in a Prince George's County elementary school.
D.C. Health officials have also reported a possible exposure from early April, linked to a visit to a Five Guys restaurant on April 5.