The Virginia Department of Health has declared the measles outbreak in Buckingham and Cumberland counties over after 42 consecutive days without a new case.
The last outbreak-associated case was confirmed on June 29. Health officials consider an outbreak resolved after two incubation periods have passed without a new case.
The Health Department declared the outbreak on May 13. It resulted in 154 confirmed measles cases, all among people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.
Adults 18 and older made up about 38% of the cases. Four people were hospitalized, and no one died.
In developed countries such as the United States, about one to three people die for every 1,000 measles infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Worldwide, measles caused an estimated 95,000 deaths in 2024, according to the World Health Organization.
Virginia requires students attending public schools to receive measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations unless they qualify for a medical or religious exemption. Schools can exclude students who do not meet vaccination requirements.
People who aren’t sure whether they or their children are vaccinated should contact their health care provider or request records through the VDH Record Request Portal. People who have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or who were born before 1957 are considered protected against measles.
Vaccination remains the best way to prevent measles, according to the Virginia Department of Health. People who aren’t up to date on routine MMR vaccinations should contact their health care provider or local health department to schedule an appointment.
Anyone who thinks they may have measles should stay home and call a healthcare provider or local health department immediately. If medical care is necessary, call ahead to let the provider know about the possible measles infection. This allows healthcare workers to take precautions to protect other patients and staff.
