Measles exposure possible in Virginia, North Carolina, health officials warn

Virginia and North Carolina health officials are working to identify individuals who may have been exposed to measles between Dec. 5-10.

The confirmed case involves a resident of another state who visited Virginia and traveled through a N.C. airport.

Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed.

“Vaccination remains the best protection against measles,” said Laurie Forlano, Virginia epidemiologist. “This latest exposure is a good reminder to check your vaccination status, especially before holiday travel.”

Potential exposure sites in Virginia include:

• Home Depot, 250 Frank D. Harris Drive in South Hill, Friday, Dec. 5 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Wagon Wheel Cafe, 408 Main St., Kenbridge, Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Lynchburg Livestock Market, 243 Livestock Road, Rustburg, Monday, Dec. 8 from 3:15 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• McDonald’s,11059 Wards Road, Rustburg, Monday, Dec. 8 from 4:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

In North Carolina, the potential exposure was at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport on Dec. 10. Any individual that was in terminal two between 4-8 a.m. could have been exposed.

Anyone who may have been exposed should watch for symptoms through Jan. 1.

Tips if you may have been exposed to measles

Most people in Virginia have immunity to measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public in the Commonwealth is low.

However, anyone who was at the potential exposure sites at the times listed should:

• Find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. Make sure you are up to date with the recommended number of MMR vaccinations.
• If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are considered protected.
• Anyone who might have been exposed and is considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider promptly to discuss any questions or concerns.
• Watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after the potential exposure. Monitoring for symptoms is especially important for people who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles.
• If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away.
• If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.

For more information, contact your local health department by calling (804) 363-2704 or email [email protected].