The Virginia Department of Health is reporting a case of measles in our community after a teenager who traveled internationally returned to Charlottesville with the infection.  It is important that families are aware of any potential overlap with the teenager’s movement in the area and know their risk in order to prevent further spread of this serious illness.  As a reminder, measles can present up to 21 days after an exposure with fever, cough, red eyes and runny nose.  3-5 days into the illness, the tell-tale rash starts on the face and hairline before spreading down the body.  The vaccine is highly effective and the first dose is given routinely at 1 year.

Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of potential exposure sites in Virginia:

• Charlottesville Albemarle Airport on Tuesday, May 20 between 2:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
• Play it Again Sports, located at 1885 Seminole Trail in Charlottesville on Tuesday, May 20 from 2:40 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Goodwill Store and Donation Center, located at 440 Gander Drive in Charlottesville on Tuesday, May 20 from 3:10 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• UVA Health Primary Care Riverside, located at 2335 Seminole Lane, Suite 200 in Charlottesville on Thursday, May 22 from 2 p.m. to 7:10 p.m.
• UVA Health University Medical Center Emergency Department, located at 1215 Lee St. in Charlottesville on Friday, May 23 from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.

If you are concerned about any potential exposures or symptoms, please call the office so that we can review immunization status and discuss next steps to take care of your child and prevent further exposures.  As always, if you have questions your provider is happy to discuss further.