September 6, 2025

Child Contracts Measles at Virginia Beach School

here-intlog
September 6, 2025
8:34 am
Virginia Beach

News Summary

A child aged between 5 and 12 has been confirmed to have measles at Trantwood Elementary School in Virginia Beach, following international travel. This incident is the fourth reported case in Virginia, prompting health officials to advise unvaccinated individuals to stay home until mid-September. The Virginia Department of Health is actively informing anyone potentially exposed via shared bus routes. Parents are urged to ensure vaccinations are up to date, as measles can lead to severe health complications. The community is reassured by Virginia’s high vaccination rate among kindergarteners.

Virginia Beach – A child, aged between 5 and 12 years old, has been confirmed to have contracted measles at Trantwood Elementary School following international travel. This incident marks the fourth confirmed case of measles in the state of Virginia for 2025. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has reported that the onset of the child’s symptoms began on August 26, which coincided with the second day of the school year.

In light of this case, Virginia Beach Public School officials have reassured families regarding the health and safety of both students and staff. Regular school operations are set to continue for those who are vaccinated. However, any unvaccinated students and staff have been advised to refrain from attending school until September 16, 2025, to prevent further spread of the disease.

The affected child utilized Bus 21, which also serves Linkhorn Park Elementary and Lynnhaven Middle School, highlighting the potential for exposure among students in those institutions as well. The VDH has been proactive in working to identify anyone who may have been exposed to the virus to inform them of possible risks.

The VDH recommends individuals who have not received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to get vaccinated, unless a medical exemption is applicable. The MMR vaccine is known to be effective in providing protection against measles. Even vaccinated individuals can contract the disease; however, they usually experience milder symptoms compared to those who are not vaccinated.

Health officials have noted that students who catch measles are expected to miss at least a week of school. Common symptoms of measles include a fever above 101 degrees, a cough, a runny nose, red eyes, and a subsequent rash that typically begins on the face and spreads across the body. It is crucial to understand that the contagious period for measles spans from four days before the onset of the rash to four days after.

If any child presents symptoms consistent with measles, they are advised to stay home until they receive a medical clearance. Measles can lead to more severe health implications, with one in every 20 cases leading to pneumonia, and in rare circumstances, the disease can be fatal.

Despite this alarming situation, Virginia boasts a commendably high vaccination rate, with approximately 95% of kindergarteners fully immunized against measles. This high vaccination coverage significantly helps in keeping the virus at bay and reducing the risk of outbreaks in schools.

Parents and guardians have been provided with relevant contact information for local health departments to assist with vaccination records and any further inquiries about the situation. In case of potential exposure, health officials have emphasized the importance of contacting a healthcare provider for guidance.