Recent CDC figures show that around 800 measles cases have been reported in the US in 2025.
Missouri, Louisiana and Virginia each reported their first measles incident in 2025, as at least 27 states report at least one case. All three cases were linked to international travel, officials say.
No other cases in the state have been identified. Health officials are warning individuals who may have been exposed to the infectious virus.
“The person was diagnosed shortly after his arrival in Tunney County, so there are no signs of widespread exposure,” officials said. “The exposure is believed to be limited and known contacts have been identified and contacted.”
Authorities said the person must be isolated until he is no longer infectious.
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“This first case of measles in Virginia this year is a reminder of how easily this highly contagious disease can spread, especially on international travel,” Virginia epidemiologist Laurie Forlano said in a statement. “Vaccinations remain our best defense against measles, and are safe and extremely effective in protecting people and preventing outbreaks. We encourage Virginians, especially those planning to travel, to check their vaccination status, consult their healthcare providers and get the MMR vaccine if necessary.”
None of the authorities were travelling to the places individuals before they entered the United States.
This year, two primary school children died of measles-related illnesses near the epicenter of Texas, while an adult in New Mexico died of measles-related illnesses.
Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that spreads into the air in the air and easily spreads through air particles when an infected person breathes, sneezes, or coughs. It can first infect the airways and then spread throughout the body, causing high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes, and rashes.
The rash generally appears 3-5 days after the initial symptoms, starting as a flat red spot on the face and spreads downwards to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. If the rash appears, the fever can skyrocket or higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the CDC.
Outside of Texas, New Mexico, Virginia, Missouri and Louisiana, Alaska, California, Colorado Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Ocala Tennessee, Vermont, Washington.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
