Dear Colleague: 

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is announcing a measles outbreak in Buckingham County. As of May 13, VDH has identified twelve (12) outbreak-associated measles cases in the area. No patients reported recent travel. Without travel, the timing of these cases suggests local transmission.  There are likely more measles cases than have been reported.  In response, VDH is sharing important reminders and encouraging vaccination. 

Vaccination Recommendations 

 The MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles. Please encourage your patients to be up to date with the routinely recommended number of MMR vaccinations.  

Additionally, in the context of this outbreak, VDH encourages healthcare providers to talk to their patients who live in or visit the Buckingham County area about the following outbreak vaccination recommendations:   

• Infants aged 6 to 11 months are advised to get an early dose of the MMR vaccine. Infants who receive an early dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should receive two more doses at the recommended ages at least 28 days apart.    

• Children aged 12 months to 18 years old who have not yet been vaccinated or never had measles infection should receive their first MMR vaccine dose with a second dose at least 28 days after the first dose.   

• Children aged 12 months or older who have previously received only one MMR dose should receive a second MMR vaccine dose at least 28 days after the first dose.   

• Adults born after 1957 who have not previously been vaccinated or never had measles infection should receive at least one dose of MMR vaccine. Adults in the following groups should receive two doses of MMR at least 28 days apart: 
  • Attend school beyond high school (e.g. college, trade school). 
  • Work or volunteer in a healthcare facility of any type. 
  • Travel internationally, including on cruise ships.
  • Family or close contact of people with compromised immune systems.
  • People with HIV infection without severe immunosuppression.   

A small number (<5%) of adults vaccinated between 1963–1967 received an inactivated (killed) measles vaccine.  Adults who received this type of vaccine, or do not know what type of vaccine they received between 1963–1967, should receive 1 or 2 doses of MMR vaccine. 

Free or low-cost vaccines are available through Virginia’s Vaccines for Children (VFC) and Vaccines for Adults (VFA) programs for those who are eligible. If needed, you can locate a VFC or VFA provider on the VDH Website.    

Measles Testing and Reporting 

All Virginia healthcare providers should consult the updated VDH’s Measles Reporting and Testing Algorithm for suspected measles cases. Consider measles in patients with a fever and generalized maculopapular rash who: 

• were potentially exposed to a person with measles-like illness; OR  
• reside in Buckingham County or surrounding areas; OR 
• who have recently traveled out of the country or to regions of the United States reporting measles outbreaks.