Department of Health: 128 West Virginians exposed to measles following state’s first case since 2009

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — The Bureau for Public Health is recommending that 62 high risk West Virginians who have been exposed to measles quarantine after the first case in the state since 2009 was confirmed this week.

The positive case was confirmed in Monongalia County on Monday , and according to a press release, the West Virginia Department of Health has learned that an additional 128 West Virginians in 30 counties have been potentially exposed to measles, including 62 that “lack documentation of adequate protection against measles.”

“The Bureau for Public Health is strongly recommending those exposed individuals with no evidence of immunity against the virus to quarantine until May 9 or 10, 2024, depending on their last date of exposure,” the DH release said.

An estimated 24 people from out of state were also exposed to the patient from Monongalia County, the release said.

In addition to finding people who have been exposed, health officials have been working with the Monongalia County Health Department to make sure that it has measles testing supplies and access to the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Measles was considered eliminated from the U.S. in 2000, largely due to vaccination programs, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention , but outbreaks have been increasing since 2010, according to the American Medical Association .

Measles vaccines are typically given between 12 and 15 months with a second dose between 4 and 6 years; the MMR vaccine is required in West Virginia before entering kindergarten.

To find a MMR vaccine provider, click here .

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