Home / Health / Contagious Measles Traveler Visits Virginia Locations
Contagious Measles Traveler Visits Virginia Locations
18 Dec
Summary
- Measles exposure in Virginia linked to traveler visiting stores and airport.
- Health officials urge vaccination checks following recent exposure incidents.
- Over 1,900 measles cases reported nationally, many among unvaccinated children.

Public health officials in Virginia have issued warnings after a contagious individual diagnosed with measles visited multiple locations in the state during early December. The traveler, who is not a Virginia resident, visited a Home Depot in South Hill on December 5th, a cafe in Kenbridge on December 6th, and the Lynchburg Livestock Market along with a nearby McDonald's in Rustburg on December 8th. This individual also passed through Raleigh-Durham International Airport early on December 10th, though no health risk is anticipated there.
Virginia State Epidemiologist Laurie Forlano stressed that vaccination is the most effective defense against measles, urging residents to confirm their immunization status, particularly before holiday travel. The exposure incidents occur amidst ongoing measles outbreaks in other parts of the United States, including South Carolina, West Texas, Utah, and Arizona, many linked to unvaccinated individuals. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded at least 1,934 measles cases across numerous states.




