Updates on Measles Outbreak and Vaccine Recommendations in Virginia

August 19, 2026

VDH Declares End to Measles Outbreak in Buckingham and Cumberland Counties

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recently announced the end of the 2026 measles outbreak in Buckingham and Cumberland Counties. The last confirmed outbreak-associated case was reported on June 29. An outbreak of measles is considered over after 42 days (two 21-day incubation periods) have passed without identifying a new case.

The outbreak resulted in 154 measles cases counted since May 5. All cases were in people who were not vaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status. Over a third of cases (38%) were in adults 18 years of age or older. Four people were hospitalized with measles-related complications during this outbreak. No deaths were reported.

VDH announces the end of this outbreak with cautious optimism. The risk of measles reintroduction remains high in the Commonwealth as measles cases continue to rise across the nation and globally. Although the local health department continues to closely monitor the areas affected by the outbreak and will rapidly respond to any suspect cases, there could be measles cases that are not known to VDH. Localities with MMR vaccination coverage rates lower than 95% are vulnerable to measles outbreaks.

During the outbreak, VDH issued outbreak-specific vaccination recommendations for the affected areas to enhance protection when the risk of exposure to measles was high in the community. Now that the outbreak has ended, these outbreak vaccination recommendations are no longer in effect for these areas.

Outbreaks such as this are good reminders of the importance of vaccination, particularly during the time of year when many families are sending their children back to school.

Despite the outbreak ending, VDH encourages all clinicians across the Commonwealth to:

• Ensure your patients are up to date on routinely recommended MMR vaccinations for children and adults.
• Encourage your patients who will be travelling internationally or to an outbreak area to consider measles in their travel plans, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months.
• Maintain a high index of suspicion for measles in patients presenting with fever and rash, especially in those who are unvaccinated.
• Immediately report suspected or confirmed measles cases to your local health department. Please do not wait for laboratory confirmation.
• Check the immune status of the healthcare providers on your teams and take readiness steps for your facility.
• Visit VDH’s Measles Information for Healthcare Providers website for the latest information about measles in Virginia.

VDH Remains Committed to Vaccines and School Required Immunizations

On August 11, 2026, in response to a recent Presidential Executive Order, VDH issued a news release reaffirming our commitment to vaccines as an essential tool in protecting the health of children, their families, and their communities.

The Presidential Executive Order does not change our vaccine recommendations or school immunization requirements in Virginia. VDH continues to recommend that children are vaccinated in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2026 Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. VDH expects that healthcare providers will continue to rely on their clinical training and professional judgment and consult information published by AAP and the American Academy of Family Physicians when engaging in shared clinical decision-making with parents, caregivers, and patients.

Virginia is already taking action to evaluate and protect access to vaccines. Pursuant to Item 278 M1, Ch 1, 2026 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, VDH will convene its newly established Workgroup on Childhood Immunization Schedules and Public Health Emergencies in late August 2026. This group will bring together key partners – including healthcare practitioners, insurance representatives, and public health stakeholders – to review Virginia’s statutory and regulatory frameworks pertaining to access to childhood and emergency immunizations. We will provide updates on the efforts of this important group as they become available.

On behalf of the entire VDH team, thank you for your partnership, dedication and determination in keeping Virginians safe and healthy.