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Three states, including Virginia, working to track potential measles exposure

Crystal Graham
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(© Prostock-studio – stock.adobe.com)

A preschool-age child has been diagnosed with measles, and health officials are working to track exposure in three states and Washington, D.C.

Two early sites include Fort Belvoir and passengers on an Amtrak Northeast Regional train.

The patient recently travelled internationally, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

This is the second case of measles reported in Virginia this year. Most people in Virginia have immunity to measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low.

Health officials are working to identify individuals who may have been exposed in Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

Possible exposure sites include:

  • Jan. 7: Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 175, from William H. Gray III 30th Street Station in Philadelphia at 9 p.m. to Washington Union Station at 11:30 p.m.
  • Jan. 9: Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center Emergency Department and Executive Medicine Suite, 9300 DeWitt Loop, Fort Belvoir, Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight.

Any additional exposure sites identified in Virginia will be posted to the VDH measles website.

2025: Highest measles rate in three decades


The U.S. had previously declared measles eliminated in 2000; 2025 has the most recorded cases since this time and the most cases in more than 30 years.

With the anti-vaccine push by the Donald Trump administration, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., cases continue to rise, something that experts say should warrant a national health emergency.

Jan. 20 will mark 12 consecutive months of transmission, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2025, there were 2,144 confirmed cases of the measles in the U.S.


 

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Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal Graham has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]. Support AFP by signing up for our newsletter and/or powering our work with a one-time or monthly contribution.

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