ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – A highly contagious virus is creeping its way into various areas of the country.
Measles cases are on the rise with a recent exposure in northern Virginia.
Measles is one of the most infectious viruses in the world— it’s airborne and spreads rapidly. Just one infected person can spread it to more than ten others. That’s why cases are climbing in places like Texas, where officials are seeing over 200 infections. Now, the Virginia Department of Health is warning about possible cases in northern Virginia, and experts say it won’t stop there.
“At some point, there will be cases here. It’s only a matter of time,” said Dr. Taison Bell, Acting Chair for the Department of Medicine at UVA.
Health officials don’t expect a widespread outbreak, but certain communities could be at risk. Measles tends to find pockets of unvaccinated individuals, allowing it to spread.
“If you’re fully vaccinated, in the vast majority of cases, there’s nothing to worry about. But the problem is, we do have pockets of under-vaccination. If you’re in a community with low vaccination levels, that’s something I’d be worried about nowadays,” said Bell.
The virus spreads through coughing, sneezing, and even tiny airborne particles lingering in the air. Crowded places like airports make it easy for measles to travel. Symptoms start with a cough and fever—followed by the infamous rash. In severe cases, brain swelling can occur.
Doctors say the best defense is simple: vaccination.
“This is an extremely safe vaccine. It’s been given to billions of people and has caused eradication of the disease. But when people are unvaccinated, that’s when we see cases come back, we start to see complications. Two people from this unfortunately have already died from this disease, and that’s something we don’t want to see,” said Bell.
Health officials urge everyone to check their vaccination status—and reach out to a doctor with any concerns.
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