Virginia: Suspected measles case in Fairfax County

The Fairfax County Health Department is currently investigating a suspected case of measles in a Fairfax County resident. Test results will not be known for approximately 24 hours. Health officials are currently identifying potential exposure sites, and the individual is in self-isolation at home.

Measles rash
Image/CDC

No other details will be announced until test results become available. If the case is positive, a news conference will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 11.

People who have received at least one dose of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine in the past are at very low risk of being infected with measles. Measles is easily preventable through safe and effective MMR vaccine. The best protection against future measles cases is the on-time vaccination of all susceptible people.

Measles is a highly contagious illness that is spread through coughing, sneezing and contact with secretions from the nose, mouth and throat of an infected individual. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes and a cough. The second stage begins around the third to seventh day when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads over the entire body.