➡️ Measles Case in Virginia

➡️ 2025 Immunization Champion Award 

➡️ State of STIs in Virginia 

Measles Case Confirmed in Virginia 

VDH reported the first case of measles in Virginia in 2025. The patient is a child (0-4 years) in the Northwest Region who recently traveled internationally. 

Providers should consider measles in patients with fever and a generalized maculopapular rash who have recently traveled out of the country or to regions of the U.S. reporting measles outbreaks. Other symptoms include cough, coryza (runny nose, sneezing, congestion) or conjunctivitis.  

If you suspect measles:  

✅ Notify: Immediately notify your local health department to ensure rapid testing and investigation. Your health department can help identify exposed contacts and provide recommendations.
✅ Test: Submit a nasopharyngeal (NP) swab in VTM for PCR testing and a blood specimen for serology testing at Virginia’s state lab. Results are available in less than 24 hours. 

Vaccination is the best protection against measles. Make sure patients are up to date on their measles vaccine, especially before international travel. Before leaving the United States, travelers aged 6 months and older who do not otherwise have acceptable evidence of measles immunity should be vaccinated with MMR vaccine. Visitors to outbreak-affected areas in the United States may be recommended additional vaccinations beyond the routine MMR vaccination schedule. 

Visit VDH’s Measles Information for Healthcare Providers for more information. 

State of STIs in Virginia 

STI rates have increased recently, some quite dramatically. One in five people in the U.S. have an STI, and many are unaware of the infection. Virginia, along with the rest of the U.S., has seen a sharp increase in cases of congenital syphilis. The number of congenital syphilis cases is the highest we’ve seen in decades. 

It is more important than ever to follow the proper guidelines and protocols to ensure appropriate care for clients around their sexual health: 

✅ Take a thorough sexual health history from all patients as part of their routine medical care.
✅ Screen for STIs following CDC screening guidelines for patient populations.
✅ Treat according to CDC STD treatment guidelines.
✅ Report required conditions to your local health department as soon as possible. 

Thank you for your continued and ongoing partnership with STI prevention and the health of all Virginians.