For Immediate Release: November 9, 2026
Media Contact: Kyle Casteel – Media Lead
Communication Office │ Department of Health
802-863-7280 │ [email protected]
Vermont Department of Health Confirms Measles Cases in Orleans County
WATERBURY, VT — The Vermont Department of Health has confirmed a small number of measles cases in Orleans County. The health risk to the general public in Vermont is low at this time. Investigation and response are ongoing.
To protect patient confidentiality, the Health Department will not release individual personal health information related to this situation. The department will continue to provide information that may impact broader public health.
The Health Department provided additional guidance to all Vermont healthcare providers on recognizing and reporting measles on Monday, Nov. 9, the same day testing at the State Public Health Lab confirmed the results.
“We are currently offering testing, vaccination and health guidance and remain in communication with the people involved,” said Health Commissioner Rick Hildebrant, MD. “We will continue to work closely with local hospitals and health care providers to respond to this situation and protect the health of the wider community.”
Cases of measles have become more frequent in recent years: Vermont health officials last detected a case of measles in February, while two cases were documented in 2025, as were two cases in 2024. The decade prior saw just two cases total – one in 2011 and one in 2018. Across the country, measles cases have spiked since 2024 to levels unseen since the United States achieved measles elimination status in 2000.
The Health Department is urging all people in Vermont to make sure they and their families are vaccinated against measles – especially children, for whom the disease is particularly dangerous. CDC data shows that 11% of people who have tested positive for measles in the last two years needed to be hospitalized.
There is no treatment for measles, but the disease is almost entirely vaccine-preventable. Measles vaccination is particularly important if you plan to travel outside of the United States or to any area in the United States currently known to be experiencing a measles outbreak.
If you're not sure of your measles vaccination status, you can reach out to your health care provider and request your vaccination records. To learn more about measles, visit HealthVermont.gov/Measles.
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