Virginia among states leading U.S. measles cases surge

Data: CDC; Map: Sara Wise / Axios

Virginia is one of the seven states accounting for the majority of U.S. measles cases as kids prepare to head back to school.

Why it matters: The nationwide measles case count has officially shattered last year's record, hitting levels unseen in more than three decades, according to CDC data released Friday.

The big picture: Virginia has reported at least 177 measles cases, per the latest state Department of Health update Tuesday.

That is 35 times higher than the total recorded for 2025: five cases.

It's also the fourth-highest case count recorded among states, trailing only Texas (803), South Carolina (670) and Utah (197).

Zoom in: Nearly every case in Virginia is among unvaccinated people, and most (66%) are minors.

And although Central Virginia is a hotspot, there haven't been any measles cases reported in the Richmond area.

The outbreaks, so far, are largely in Buckingham and Cumberland.

By the numbers: The CDC recommends two doses of the measles vaccine for children by age 6 and a 95% vaccination coverage rate for the highest level of protection against spread.

But recent VDH data updated last week shows the two-dose rate for 5-year-olds statewide is only 72% — though the rate rises to 87% by age 7.

It's far lower in Buckingham and Cumberland counties for both age groups.

Among rates for 5-year-olds in the region, Richmond (85%), Goochland (78%), Henrico (73%) and Chesterfield (73%) are above 70% — a change from earlier this year when only the city and Petersburg were above that threshold.

Some of the lowest rates: Hanover (65%) and Petersburg (69%). Both are lower than the rates reported in February.

The intrigue: First-dose coverage in Virginia remains much higher, a pattern that's continued with about 95% of 5-year-olds meeting that mark statewide, per VDH.

Locally, Richmond, Henrico, Petersburg and Goochland are the only ones to hit that same 95% coverage.

Reality check: The biggest risk remains for unvaccinated people and communities with lower vaccination rates, but health officials have advised residents to skip large, crowded events in areas having outbreaks.

Virginians can check their vaccination status here.