A case of measles has been confirmed at an elementary school in Hampton Roads, Virginia, raising public health concerns about the highly contagious disease. The Virginia Department of Health announced that the infected child, aged between 5 and 12, contracted the virus after traveling internationally and is the fourth measles case reported in the state this year.
The affected student attends Trantwood Elementary School in Virginia Beach. School officials noted that symptoms appeared just two days after the start of the academic year, on August 26. In response, the school issued a statement emphasizing the importance of health and safety, confirming collaboration with the Virginia Department of Health to manage the situation.
According to the school’s communication, students who have been vaccinated with the MMR vaccine—covering measles, mumps, and rubella—are not required to stay home. However, unvaccinated students and staff are advised to remain away from school until September 16 to prevent further spread.
The affected bus route, Bus 21, which services Trantwood Elementary, Linkhorn Park Elementary, and Lynnhaven Middle School, may also be impacted by the outbreak. Health officials reiterated that vaccination significantly reduces the risk of contracting measles and can lead to milder symptoms even if infection occurs.
Virginia Beach Department of Health Director Caitlyn S. Pedati urged parents and guardians to ensure their children are fully vaccinated, especially those who have not received the recommended two doses of the MMR vaccine. She assured that the vaccine is both safe and effective in preventing the disease and limiting its transmission.
Children exhibiting symptoms such as a fever exceeding 101°F, cough, runny nose, or red eyes should be isolated from others and promptly evaluated by a healthcare professional. Those exposed to the virus are advised to stay home until cleared by a doctor and school officials.
Measles typically begins with a moderate fever one to two weeks after exposure, which can spike to 105°F. A rash usually develops on the face and spreads downward. Severe complications, including pneumonia, occur in about 5% of cases, and in rare instances, the disease can be fatal.
Health authorities have identified several locations where exposure may have occurred, including the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters Health Center and Urgent Care in Virginia Beach on August 27, CVS Pharmacy on August 28, and the CHKD Emergency Department and hospital in Norfolk between August 30 and September 1.
Individuals who visited these sites during the specified times and develop symptoms should seek medical attention and inform healthcare providers of potential exposure. For further information, the Virginia Department of Health provides resources and guidance on measles prevention and management.