Measles Case Reported in Northern Virginia

An adult in Northern Virginia has been diagnosed with measles, which marks the fifth instance of the virus in the commonwealth this year.

Interestingly, while this latest case involves an adult, the previous four were found in young children under the age of five, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

Health officials have advised anyone who may have been in contact with the patient late last month to take precautions. They’re also encouraged to report possible exposure by filling out an online survey for the Fairfax County Health Department.

The individual with measles visited various locations in Herndon, including an apartment complex, a restaurant, and a grocery store. Other locations of potential exposure comprise a supermarket in Reston and an animal shelter in Fairfax.

Here are the specific locations and times when exposure may have occurred:

• The Ian Apartment Complex, 2249 Woodland Grove Place in Herndon, between Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 31.
• Kumo Sushi, 2338 Woodland Crossing Drive in Herndon, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, January 24.
• Target, 12197 Sunset Hills Road in Reston, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 25.
• Harris Teeter, 12960 Highland Crossing Drive in Herndon, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 25.
• Fairfax County Animal Shelter – West Ox Campus, 4500 West Ox Road in Fairfax, between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, January 31.

This Northern Virginia case coincides with a rise in measles cases across the Americas, with South Carolina experiencing a significant outbreak. Reports indicate that South Carolina has seen an influx of 875 cases linked to the outbreak that began in early October 2025.

What to Do If Exposed

If you think you might have been exposed to measles, it’s essential to check your vaccination status regarding the measles vaccine.

Residents of Virginia can request their immunization records online.

For those who may have been in contact with the infected person, the health department suggests starting by completing the online survey. Officials will then contact individuals who might need to take further action.

If you’re unvaccinated and have never had measles, it’s advisable to reach out to a healthcare provider or your local health department with any questions.

Virginia health officials recommend that anyone potentially exposed monitor for symptoms for 21 days—up until February 21.

Those who suspect they might have measles should remain at home and connect with a healthcare provider. Symptoms can include a runny nose, fever above 101 degrees, cough, red or watery eyes, and a rash.

Infants who are too young for the MMR vaccine, as well as those who are unvaccinated, are at particular risk. Health officials suggest that infants aged 6 to 11 months receive a vaccine dose before any international travel or visits to outbreak areas.