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.
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Additional Resources
- WAVY News: VDH Confirms Measles Case
- Wikipedia: Measles
- Richmond.com: Fourth Measles Case in Virginia
- Google Search: Measles information
- 29 News: Virginia Confirms 4th Measles Case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
- CBS19 News: Possible Measles Exposures
- Google News: Measles in Virginia
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VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
