Measles case being treated at Lynchburg General Hospital, Centra confirms

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — Virginia health officials are investigating a confirmed case of measles in the area.

The Virginia Department of Health said that they were notified of a confirmed case of measles that traveled through the Southwest Region on Monday, March 2.

According to a spokesperson for Centra, health officials are “currently caring for a patient with measles in Lynchburg General Hospital.”

The only potential exposure site currently listed by VDH is Centra Lynchburg General Hospital Emergency Department.

According to VDH, the person “is a resident of another state who recently traveled internationally.”

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“To protect the patient’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient,” said VDH. “Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed.”

Health officials say potential exposure time is from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on Monday, March 2.

Any additional exposure sites identified in Virginia will be posted to the VDH Measles website.

You can read Centra’s full statement below.

“The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has confirmed a case of measles in our region, and we are currently caring for a patient with measles in Lynchburg General Hospital. We are working closely with public health officials and following established clinical protocols to ensure the safety of our patients, visitors and caregivers. Out of an abundance of caution, we ask that anyone presenting with a rash wear a mask when entering a Centra facility.

As the local healthcare system, we are committed to protecting our community, including our patients, families and caregivers. Vaccination remains our most effective defense against measles, as it is both safe and highly effective in preventing outbreaks. We strongly encourage our community, especially those planning to travel, to check their vaccination status, consult with their healthcare provider and get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine if necessary. If you or your child develops a rash, please get in touch with your healthcare provider.”