Health officials have reported another case of measles — the third in the state this year — but said that it’s not time to panic.
A child under the age of 4 was diagnosed through the University of Virginia Health System last Wednesday, confirmed Dr. Costi Sifri, UVA Health’s director of hospital epidemiology.
Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.
Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine provide lifetime protection, but unvaccinated people — and infants who are too young to be vaccinated — are very susceptible to infection.
“Unfortunately, these circumstances are certainly a pressure test on some preparedness planning, and we're rolling out and developing more resources for our frontline clinicians to be able to respond to this so we do have a measles control plan,” said Sifri.
UVA Health’s measles plan is focused on safely identifying patients to protect healthcare team members, the general public and patients.
Symptoms appear in two stages. The first stage — a fever, runny nose, watery eyes and a cough — starts between seven to 14 days after exposure, with a rash that spreads over the body starting three to five days later.
VDH said anyone who might have been exposed — especially those who have not had the MMR vaccine — should contact their health care provider immediately.
Sifri said people concerned about measles should call ahead to their local clinic or emergency room — and wear a mask to prevent possible spread.
“We have a lot of vulnerable people that are in the hospital, or in really any health care setting at any given time,” Sifri said. “It really is important for us to make sure to keep everyone safe.”
Meredith Robinson, the vaccine-preventable disease coordinator with the Virginia Department of Health, said quick reporting allowed the agency to start its investigation early.
“This case was reported and identified very quickly, so we've worked with our local health department, and they've interviewed the family to identify all locations where there's a potential risk of public measles transmission,” said Robinson.
Officials said the patient was at SugarBear Ice Cream, located at 1522 E. High St. in Charlottesville, on Saturday, May 31, between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Since measles can linger in the air for hours, indoor exposures pose a greater risk. Health officials say there is minimal risk of exposure for people who were only outdoors at this location.
The patient was also at Lowe’s, located at 400 Woodbrook Drive, on Sunday, June 1, between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
“I would not say that this is any indication to panic, but what it is a good reminder of is to make sure that you're aware of your vaccination status and make sure that you're protected against measles,” said Robinson.
Infants 6 to 11 months old who will be traveling internationally — or to a place with an active outbreak — should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel.
Virginia’s first measles case was reported in Northern Virginia, but the second case was reported in the Charlottesville region; the third case has been linked to the second case.
Even though the second and third cases are linked, Robinson said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not declared an outbreak yet — because a key characteristic is missing.
“What's important is that with an outbreak, something you'd want to be looking for is evidence of community transmission,” she said.
People can check their immunization status through VDH’s Virginia Immunization Information System. The agency said those who are unable to confirm their vaccination status have the option of receiving one dose of MMR to ensure that they're protected.
