Virginia, Montana, Missouri and Louisiana report first measles case(s) of the year
Virginia
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has confirmed the commonwealth’s first measles case of 2025.
The case is in a child under four years old who potentially exposed others at clinics in Woodbridge and Fredericksburg.
The patient recently traveled internationally and lives in the agency’s Northwest region, which includes Stafford, Fauquier and Rappahannock counties.
“This first case of measles in Virginia this year is a reminder of how easily this highly contagious disease can spread, particularly with international travel,” said VDH State Epidemiologist Laurie Forlano.
Montana
The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and the Gallatin City-County Health Department (GCCHD) are reporting Montana’s first cases of measles since 1990.
The GCCHD is investigating five confirmed cases of measles. The individuals are children and adults who were exposed to measles while traveling outside of Montana. The cases reside in Gallatin County and are currently isolated at home. All five individuals are unvaccinated, or vaccine status is unknown.
“While it is unfortunate to have cases of measles after 35 years of disease inactivity in Montana, we have been working diligently with our local partners to prepare,” said DPHHS Public Health Physician, Dr. Maggie Cook-Shimanek. “We are confident that our public health and clinical partners will work together and address this situation as quickly as possible. It is important for everyone to know their vaccination status and to visit with their health department or health care provider if they are unsure.”
Missouri
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is announcing a confirmed case of measles in a visitor of Taney County associated with recent international travel. The case is in a child whose vaccination status has not yet been verified. There is no indication of widespread exposure as this person was diagnosed soon after arrival to Taney County.
Measles and Immune Amnesia with Ashley Hagen, M.S.
Exposure is believed to be limited, and known contacts have been identified and contacted. DHSS is supporting the Taney County Health Department in the disease investigation and advising individuals with possible exposure. This is the first confirmed measles case detected in Missouri this year.
Louisiana
The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has confirmed one case of measles in an adult resident of Region 1 (comprised of Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard parishes). At this time, the patient’s exposure to measles appears to be linked to international travel.
The individual who tested positive is in isolation and has received treatment at a Region 1 hospital. The patient was not hospitalized and will remain in isolation until no longer infectious. This patient was not vaccinated.
This is the first measles case reported in Louisiana in 2025. In 2024, three confirmed travel-associated measles cases were reported in Louisiana, all in the greater New Orleans area.
This would bring the number of states/jurisdictions to 29 in the United States. The CDC reported 800 confirmed measles cases on April 17, including 3 deaths (the first fatalities in a decade). In all of 2024, 285 measles cases were reported.