For Immediate Release: July 9, 2024
Media Contact:
Ben Truman │ Department of Health
802-316-2117 │ 802-863-7280
Health Department Confirms Case of Measles in Vermont
This is the second case of measles in Vermont in 2024
WATERBURY, VT – The Vermont Department of Health has confirmed a case of measles in a Vermont resident. The individual was exposed while in the Hanover, New Hampshire area in late June. State health officials said there is no ongoing risk of measles from this case in Vermont. This latest case is unrelated to the one reported in April.
New Hampshire’s public health office provided the Health Department with information about Vermont residents who might have been exposed. Vermont health officials reached out to those individuals and learned of one person who was experiencing symptoms.
Public health nurses went to the person’s home on Saturday to collect a specimen for testing at the Public Health Laboratory. Results returned later that day showed the person was positive for measles.
Health Department epidemiologists determined that the patient had been outside of Vermont for most of their infectious period. The department has identified contacts in other states and shared that information with the respective state health agencies. One Vermont contact is being monitored.
To protect patient confidentiality, the Health Department will not release individual personal health information. The department will continue to provide information that may impact the broader public health.
The Health Department encourages people to make sure they are up to date on their measles vaccinations. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure if you or your family have been vaccinated. It is especially important to be protected from measles before traveling outside the U.S.
About Measles
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause serious illness. There is no treatment for measles, however, it is almost entirely vaccine-preventable.
Symptoms of measles typically begin with a cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a high fever that may spike to more than 104°. A rash of flat spots breaks out on the head and face, then spreads to other parts of the body.
The virus can spread to other people when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. People can become infected if they breathe in the germs or touch a contaminated surface and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.
The measles virus can be spread from four days before through four days after an infected person develops the rash. This means a person with measles may not know they are infectious for several days.
If you have symptoms of measles:
- Stay home and isolate from others
- Consider wearing a mask around other people
- Contact your healthcare provider immediately
- DO NOT go to the doctor’s office, the hospital, or a public health clinic without first calling to let them know about your symptoms
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 150 cases of measles and 12 outbreaks in the U.S. in 2024. This compares to 58 cases and four outbreaks for all of 2023. There have also been at least 50 confirmed cases in Quebec, 23 of those in Montreal. Measles has been on the rise globally as well. Health officials attribute this, in part, to an increase in the number of unvaccinated people, which impacts community immunity.
Measles can be prevented with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. The CDC recommends children get their first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and a second dose at age 4 to 6 years. Infants ages 6 to 11 months old should get the MMR vaccination if traveling outside the U.S. Adults are protected from measles if they are fully vaccinated, were born before 1957, or have had a blood test that confirms they are immune. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are unsure if you are protected against measles.
For more information about measles, visit HealthVermont.gov/Measles.
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