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Measles Cases Rise in Virginia, Topping 2025 Total
Six measles cases reported in 2026 so far, raising concerns about contagious spread
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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According to the Virginia Department of Health, six measles cases have been reported in the Commonwealth so far in 2026, already surpassing the total number of cases seen in 2025. Health officials warn that the highly contagious nature of measles makes it difficult to contain once it starts spreading, especially in unvaccinated communities.
Why it matters
Measles outbreaks have been on the rise across the United States in recent years, with large outbreaks occurring in various regions. While Virginia has not yet seen a major outbreak, the increase in individual cases is concerning as measles can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death, especially in unvaccinated individuals.
The details
Five of the 2026 measles cases in Virginia were reported in the Northern region, with one in the Central region. The ABC13 viewing area in the Southwest region has not yet seen any reported cases, but health officials caution that the disease is highly contagious and can spread rapidly. Measles symptoms typically appear 3 weeks after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash that starts on the face and spreads downward.
- As of February 2026, six measles cases have been reported in Virginia, already exceeding the total of five cases seen in 2025.
- Measles cases have been increasing across the United States for the past several years.
The players
Virginia Department of Health
The state health department that has reported the rise in measles cases in Virginia.
Cali Anderson
Senior Epidemiologist with the Central Virginia Health District, who has commented on the concerning increase in measles cases.
What they’re saying
“It has been increasing for the past several years, and around the country we're seeing the same things with rates increasing. We have had a number of very large outbreaks around the US. So far in Virginia, we have not had that happen and we have only had individual cases so far this year.”
— Cali Anderson, Senior Epidemiologist (WSET)
“The biggest thing with measles that makes it so concerning is that it is very contagious. So, for individuals that are unvaccinated or not immune to the virus, they have a 90% chance of getting infected if they're exposed to it.”
— Cali Anderson, Senior Epidemiologist (WSET)
What’s next
Health officials are urging Virginians to ensure they and their families are fully vaccinated against measles to help prevent the spread of the disease.
The takeaway
The rise in measles cases in Virginia underscores the importance of vaccination, as the highly contagious nature of the disease can lead to serious complications and outbreaks, especially in unvaccinated communities. Maintaining high vaccination rates is crucial to protecting public health.
