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A Northern Virginia adult diagnosed with measles visited several public locations in Herndon, Reston and Fairfax, prompting health officials to warn of possible exposures.
The infection is Virginia’s fifth measles case this year. The previous four cases involved children ages 4 or younger, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
Officials are asking anyone who may have crossed paths with the patient in late January to complete an online exposure survey for the Fairfax County Health Department.
Potential exposure locations and times include:
- The Ian Apartment Complex, 2249 Woodland Grove Place in Herndon, anytime from Friday, Jan. 23, through Saturday, Jan. 31
- Kumo Sushi, 2338 Woodland Crossing Drive in Herndon, from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24
- Target, 12197 Sunset Hills Road in Reston, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25
- Harris Teeter, 12960 Highland Crossing Drive in Herndon, from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25
- Fairfax County Animal Shelter’s West Ox Campus, 4500 West Ox Road in Fairfax, from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31
The Virginia case comes amid rising measles numbers across the Americas. South Carolina, which has been responding to an outbreak since early October 2025, had reported 875 related cases as of Feb. 3.
What potentially exposed residents should do
Health officials advise anyone who may have been exposed to confirm that they are current on measles vaccinations. Virginia residents can request their immunization records online.
The health department recommends completing its exposure survey first. Officials will then contact people who need to take further action.
Those who are not fully vaccinated and have never had measles should contact a health care provider or local health department with questions.
Potentially exposed people should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days, through Feb. 21. Possible signs include a fever above 101 degrees, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes and a rash.
Anyone who suspects measles should remain home and contact a health care provider before seeking in-person care.
Infants too young to receive the standard measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and people who are unvaccinated face the greatest risk of infection. Health officials recommend that infants between 6 and 11 months old receive a vaccine dose before international travel or a trip to an area experiencing an outbreak.