VDH Issues Health Advisory-Avoid Large Gatherings in Buckingham County

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Virginia Department of Health to Media Partners: Health Advisory

New Information

HEALTH ADVISORY

June 10, 2026

SUBJECT: VDH advises unvaccinated people and anyone with measles symptoms to avoid large gatherings in Buckingham County during the ongoing measles outbreak.

Buckingham County is currently experiencing a measles outbreak with 83 cases reported as of June 9, 2026. Additional cases may not yet have been identified or reported to public health authorities. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is asking for the community’s help to slow the spread of measles and protect vulnerable residents.

Because measles is actively circulating in this community, VDH advises anyone who is not vaccinated against measles, is unsure of their immunity status, or is experiencing symptoms consistent with measles to skip large gatherings, crowded settings, and community events in the outbreak area until the outbreak subsides.

This advisory includes, but is not limited to, the following upcoming event:

Amish Parochial School Consignment Auction

Friday, June 12 – Saturday, June 13, 2026

18440 E James Anderson Highway in Dillwyn

Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases and spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. A person with measles can spread the virus from four days before until four days after a rash begins, meaning someone can spread measles before they know they are sick.

People who are not protected by vaccination or prior measles infection are at increased risk of becoming infected if they attend crowded events in the outbreak area or spend time in other settings where measles may be circulating.

\Symptoms of measles typically include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a rash that usually begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Anyone experiencing symptoms should stay home, avoid public gatherings, and contact a healthcare provider before seeking care so appropriate precautions can be taken.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the best protection against measles. VDH encourages anyone who lives in, works in, or plans to visit the Buckingham County area to review their vaccination status and talk with their healthcare provider about outbreak vaccination recommendations. During this outbreak, healthcare providers may recommend an early MMR dose for infants six through 11 months of age to provide protection while measles continues to circulate in the community.