Alexandria Health Department (AHD) has issued a notice regarding possible measles exposures in northern Virginia. The department referred residents to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) news release, “Virginia Health Officials Investigating a Confirmed Measles Case in Northern Region,” for more information.
According to VDH, this is the second confirmed measles case in Virginia in 2026. The patient is a preschool-aged child who had recently traveled internationally. State health officials are working to identify individuals who may have been exposed.
Potential exposure sites and times include Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center Emergency Department and Executive Medicine Suite at 9300 DeWitt Loop in Fort Belvoir on Friday, January 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and again from 10 p.m. to midnight, as well as Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 175 traveling from William H. Gray III 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, PA at 9 p.m. to Washington Union Station at 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7.
Additional exposure locations identified within Virginia will be listed on the VDH Measles website.
AHD provided instructions for those who may have been present at these locations during the specified times:
– Those who have received the recommended measles vaccine (such as MMR) or were born before 1957 do not need to take any special actions.
– Individuals exposed, born after 1957, and not fully vaccinated should monitor themselves for symptoms for up to three weeks after potential exposure. Symptoms can include runny nose, fever over 101°F, cough, red watery eyes, and rash.
– People with weakened immune systems are advised to consult their doctor for specific guidance.
Anyone with questions about possible exposure can email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov or call the Alexandria Health Department call center at 703.746.4988 during business hours.
For those wanting to verify their measles vaccination status, AHD recommends asking your doctor or pediatrician for records or checking online through the Virginia MMR record portal if vaccinated within the state.
More details about measles symptoms and vaccines are available on the VDH Measles website.
AHD also stated: “If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.”
The City of Alexandria functions as an independent municipal government providing public services and community programs within its defined boundaries according to its official website. The city maintains historic sites and incorporates equity into its policies to promote fair outcomes for all residents.
