Measles

Overview

Measles is an extremely contagious viral illness that spreads primarily through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. It can remain infectious in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. Up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals who are exposed will become infected with measles. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a telltale rash that begins 3-5 days after other symptoms appear. Measles infection can cause serious health complications, especially in children under 5 years of age, persons over 20 years of age, persons with weakened immune systems, and during pregnancy. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is a routinely recommended vaccine that is given as part of the childhood immunization series, and is safe, effective, and offers long-lasting protection.  

Current Status

Last Updated: March. 6, 2026

As of March 5, 2026, 1,281 measles cases have been reported in the United States this calendar year. In total, measles cases have been reported by the CDC in 31 jurisdictions since the beginning of the year.

In 2025, a total of 2,242 measles cases were reported in the United States amongst 45 jurisdictions. For comparison, 285 cases were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2024 amongst 32 jurisdictions.

Metropolitan DC Cases

The following exposure sites have been reported by the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia Departments of Health. Recently, the DC Department of Health reported  cases on February 8, 2026. The Virginia Department of Health reported cases on February 4, February 6, February 16, 2026, and February 19, 2026.

Regional Cases

The most recent regional measles exposure was reported on March 4, 2026. The Virginia Department of Health reported a confirmed measles case involving an individual who visited Central and Southwest Virginia while infectious at the following location:

• Centra Lynchburg General Hospital Emergency Department located at 1901 Tate Springs Road in Lynchburg from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Monday, March 2. Monitor for symptoms through March 23, 2026.

What You Can Do 

If you were at these sites during the exposure windows, if you’ve otherwise been exposed to measles, or if you have any symptoms, please contact the Student Health Center (if a student) or your healthcare provider. Call ahead to inform the health facility staff or alert dispatch when requesting EMS or GERMS assistance, so they can provide guidance on masking and other precautions. Please also consider sharing this information with the university’s public health team at publichealth@georgetown.edu.  

As cases continue to emerge, the best way to protect against measles is to get vaccinated.  Getting vaccinated now is highly recommended if you have not completed your vaccine series or are unsure about your vaccination status. If you don’t know your vaccination history or status, you can call your healthcare provider or check the immunization registry of the state where you received your vaccines (here are helpful links for DC, VA and MD). The CDC offers additional tips for locating childhood vaccine records. 

Review the information below to learn more about measles, and reach out to the public health team at publichealth@georgetown.edu with any general questions. 

Vaccination

Measles is preventable with a safe, effective vaccine.  Most people in the U.S. receive the MMR vaccine as part of their routine childhood vaccinations, and it is never too late to get vaccinated if you aren’t already. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are ~97% effective at preventing measles infection.  

If you are unable to locate your vaccination records, and are uncertain about whether you have received a vaccine to protect against measles, you should receive a dose of the MMR vaccine. Even if you may already be immune, there is no harm to you in getting another dose of the MMR vaccine. Completion of a two-dose series is recommended for persons who plan to travel internationally.

Vaccines are available at the Student Health Center, via your healthcare provider, One Medical and most outpatient clinic settings. 

How Does Measles Spread? 

Measles is highly contagious and can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. 

Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface and then touch their eyes, noses or mouths, they can become infected.

If You Have Been Exposed to Measles 

In the event of an exposure to someone with measles, let your healthcare provider know immediately, so they can determine your vaccine status and provide guidance on care and immunization if warranted.  

If you’re unvaccinated, you are at high risk for contracting measles after an exposure. Because of the risk of severe disease from measles and the high likelihood of transmission to others even before symptoms are evident, public health guidance recommends that unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to measles quarantine for at least 21 days to prevent further spread. 

If you’re vaccinated with two doses of MMR or another measles-containing vaccine, you are protected, but should watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days following an exposure. 

If you’re vaccinated with one dose of MMR or another measles-containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from an exposure is low. However, to achieve improved immunity, consider getting a second vaccine dose. If you plan to travel internationally, you should receive a second dose of the MMR vaccine as recommended by the CDC. 

If you’ve already had measles or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action. 

If you’re pregnant or have an immunocompromising condition, please consult with your healthcare provider. Eligible immunocompromised individuals may be offered immunoglobulin as post-exposure prophylaxis.