Measles exposure reported in N. Va., Alexandria health officials say

The Alexandria Health Department is informing residents of a measles exposure reported in the Northern Virginia region.

The Virginia Department of Health was notified about a confirmed measles case involving an out-of-state resident who traveled through Northern Virginia. The visit happened Sunday, Aug. 16 when the person was infectious. Health officials are working to identify people who might have been exposed.

Locations and times of potential exposures are:

• Sheraton Reston Hotel, located at 11810 Sunrise Valley Drive in Reston, Sunday, August 16.
• MOTW Coffee and Pastries at  11830 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 200 in Reston, Sunday, August 16.
• 7-Eleven, located at 11854 Sunrise Valley Drive in Reston, Sunday, August 16.
• Barber & Men’s Spa, located at 11830 Sunrise Valley Dr, Unit 900 in Reston, between 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday, August 16.

According to VDH, measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The first stage of symptoms typically begins seven to 14 days after exposure and can include a fever over 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes and a cough. Three to five days after the first stage, a rash starts to appear and spreads to the rest of the body. An infected person is contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.

Those who have received two doses of the measles vaccine, were born before 1957, or have had measles before are considered protected from measles exposures, according to health officials. Infants are typically not vaccinated until 12 to 15 months old, and other unvaccinated people may be at risk of developing measles if exposed. People who are severely immunocompromised should contact their doctor or local health department.

So far in 2026, 179 measles cases have been reported in Virginia. There have been no reported deaths, and 5% of cases involved hospitalization. Children under 18 have accounted for 65% of 2026 cases.

Most of the cases — 155 — have been reported in Virginia’s central region where an outbreak was reported, while the northern region has seen nine cases.

Earlier in August, VDH reaffirmed the same vaccine schedule from the American Academy of Pediatrics after President Donald Trump issued an executive order seeking adjusted childhood vaccine recommendations spaced out into separate medical visits. The order called for separating the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine into three shots at separate visits when possible. The measles vaccine is currently only offered in the U.S. as a combined MMR vaccine.

More guidance from VDH:

• Report your exposure to VDH by completing this short survey. Public health officials will follow up with respondents if additional actions are needed.
• 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 measles (MMR) vaccinations.
  • To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request records through the VDH Record Request Portal.
  • If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are considered protected and do not need to seek post-exposure treatment at this time.
• People who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles should contact their healthcare provider or call their local health department promptly to discuss any questions they might have. If you have already completed the above survey, your local health department will reach out to you to provide recommendations if additional actions are needed.
• 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.
  • The most likely time you would become sick would be between August 23 and September 6.
  • Contact your local health department or email [email protected] to discuss any additional recommendations.