CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – With at least 12 identified cases of the measles in the Buckingham County area, the Virginia Department of Health has officially declared an outbreak of the viral infection.

The announcement came Wednesday, just two days after the VDH announced a case of measles in a child in the region.

According to a VDH release, none of the patients had reported recent travel, which VDH stated “suggests local transmission.”

The VDH suspects there are even more cases than have been reported, and it’s emphasizing the importance of measles vaccination.

According to the release, VDH is advising medical providers to encourage patients to be up to date with the routinely recommended number of MMR vaccinations.

“Additionally, in the context of this outbreak, VDH encourages healthcare providers to talk to their patients who live in or visit the Buckingham County area about the following outbreak vaccination recommendations:

*Infants aged 6 to 11 months are advised to get an early dose of the MMR vaccine. Infants who receive an early dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should receive two more doses at the recommended ages at least 28 days apart.

*Children aged 12 months to 18 years old who have not yet been vaccinated or never had measles infection should receive their first MMR vaccine dose with a second dose at least 28 days after the first dose.

*Children aged 12 months or older who have previously received only one MMR dose should receive a second MMR vaccine dose at least 28 days after the first dose.

*Adults born after 1957 who have not previously been vaccinated or never had measles infection should receive at least one dose of MMR vaccine. Adults in the following groups should receive two doses of MMR at least 28 days apart:
Attend school beyond high school (e.g. college, trade school); work or volunteer in a healthcare facility of any type; travel internationally, including on cruise ships; family or close contact of people with compromised immune systems; people with HIV infection without severe immunosuppression.

A small number (<5%) of adults vaccinated between 1963–1967 received an inactivated (killed) measles vaccine. Adults who received this type of vaccine, or do not know what type of vaccine they received between 1963–1967, should receive 1 or 2 doses of MMR vaccine.

Free or low-cost vaccines are available through Virginia’s Vaccines for Children (VFC) and Vaccines for Adults (VFA) programs for those who are eligible. If needed, you can locate a VFC or VFA provider on the VDH website.”

“All Virginia healthcare providers should consult the updated VDH’s Measles Reporting and Testing Algorithm for suspected measles cases. Consider measles in patients with a fever and generalized maculopapular rash who:

  • were potentially exposed to a person with measles-like illness; OR
  • reside in Buckingham County or surrounding areas; OR
  • who have recently traveled out of the country or to regions of the United States reporting measles outbreaks.

Providers practicing in and around Buckingham County should maintain a high index of suspicion for measles and test any patient presenting with measles-compatible symptoms. This outbreak is also a good reminder to check the immune status of the healthcare providers on your teams.

If you suspect measles:

  • Isolate: Immediately isolate the patient in a single-patient airborne infection isolation room (AIIR), or in a private room with a closed door until an AIIR is available.
  • Notify: Immediately notify your local health department to ensure rapid testing and investigation.
  • Test: Submit a nasopharyngeal (NP) swab in viral transport media or universal transport media for PCR testing and a serum specimen for testing at the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS). Follow instructions for specimen collection and handling. Test results are available in less than 24 hours.
  • Identify: Begin identifying staff, patients, and visitors who might have been exposed to the patient. If measles is confirmed, exposed people will need to be contacted and assessed for immunity.