A confirmed measles case has sparked “Community Concern” in Virginia Beach. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) confirmed a case of measles in a school-age child in Virginia Beach, marking the fourth case in Virginia for 2025 and the first in the Hampton Roads region. This development has prompted public health officials and local school systems to issue alerts and guidance to parents and the community.
Measles Confirmed: What Happened
The confirmed case involves a student between the ages of 5 and 12 who attends Trantwood Elementary School in Virginia Beach. According to the VDH, the child had recently traveled internationally, where measles is more common. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.
Timeline of the Measles Case
The timeline of events is as follows:
- August 26, 2025: The student’s illness onset, which was the second day of school.
- August 27, 2025: Potential public exposure at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) Health Center and Urgent Care at Loehmann’s Plaza from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- August 28, 2025: Potential exposure at CVS Pharmacy, 300 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- August 30 – September 1, 2025: Potential exposure at CHKD Emergency Department/Hospital, 601 Children’s Lane, Norfolk.
- September 3, 2025: The VDH officially announced the case.
Areas of Potential Exposure
The VDH has identified several locations in Virginia Beach and Norfolk as potential exposure sites:
- Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) Health Center and Urgent Care at Loehmann’s Plaza, 3960 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach.
- CVS Pharmacy, 300 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach.
- CHKD Emergency Department/Hospital, 601 Children’s Lane, Norfolk.
Additionally, the student rides Bus 21, which serves Trantwood, Linkhorn Park Elementary, and Lynnhaven Middle School, indicating potential exposure for students on that route.
Impact on Schools and Community
The confirmed case has led to immediate public health actions. The VDH is working to identify anyone who might have been exposed and is advising individuals to monitor for symptoms for 21 days after potential exposure. Parents of unvaccinated students and staff at Trantwood Elementary, Linkhorn Park Elementary, and Lynnhaven Middle School have been instructed that these individuals must not attend school through September 16, 2025. Virginia Beach City Public Schools confirmed that Trantwood Elementary would operate under normal hours for vaccinated individuals.
Recognizing Measles Symptoms
Parents should be aware of measles symptoms, which typically appear in two stages:
Stage 1: Initial Symptoms
Occurring 7-14 days after exposure, the first stage includes:
- High fever (over 101 degrees)
- Runny nose
- Watery and red eyes
- Cough
Stage 2: Rash Development
Beginning three to five days after the initial symptoms, the second stage involves a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears to four days after it appears.
What Parents Should Do
The VDH strongly recommends that anyone who might have been exposed and is at risk contact their healthcare provider promptly to discuss questions. If symptoms develop, individuals should isolate immediately and call their healthcare provider or the emergency room before arriving to help protect other patients and staff.
The Importance of Vaccination
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent measles, with two doses providing lifetime protection. According to the Virginia Department of Health, Virginia has a high measles vaccination rate among kindergarteners, at approximately 95%.
Official Guidance and Collaboration
The Virginia Department of Health is actively collaborating with Virginia Beach City Public Schools to manage the situation and identify potential exposures. Public health officials are emphasizing the importance of vaccination and early detection to prevent further spread of the disease, as reported by WVEC 13News Now.
Staying Informed
Parents and community members are encouraged to stay informed about the situation through official sources like the Virginia Department of Health and local news outlets such as WAVY News 10 and the Henrico Times. Ground News is also providing updates on the situation.
In summary, the confirmed measles case in Virginia Beach underscores the importance of vaccination and vigilance. By understanding the symptoms, potential exposure sites, and recommended actions, parents can protect their children and contribute to community health.
