CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Ahead of the upcoming academic year, the University of Virginia’s Executive and Student Affairs Leaders sent out an email message to students and faculty Monday alerting them to the recent measles outbreaks in Buckingham and Cumberland counties.

The email noted that no cases of measles have been identified at UVA or UVA Health, but that the University is “closely monitoring” the surrounding cases.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reported the initial outbreak in Buckingham County on May 14 and reported another exposure in Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond June 1. Those cases added up to 177 total in 2026, with 155 in Central Virginia, accounting for 88% of cases. 154 were linked to any outbreak in Virginia, and 169 occurred in patients who had not received a measles vaccination.

An outbreak of measles is defined as three of more related cases among non-household members.

The virus is highly contagious and spreads through the air, with symptoms involving fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat as well as a quickly-spreading rash. It can often lead to serious complications like pneumonia, and in rare cases death.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends those who are eligible to become fully vaccinated with the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. Two doses are considered a complete vaccination series and provide a high level of protection. UVA encourages the University community to confirm MMR vaccination status, and if not fully vaccinated, to receive the full MMR vaccine before returning to Grounds.

UVA also announced Student Health and Wellness will host four vaccination clinics over the academic year, which will offer many vaccines including MMR. More information is available on the Student Health and Wellness website.