Health Officials Confirm Case Of Measles In Connecticut Child

CONNECTICUT — The state Department of Public Health has confirmed a case of measles in a Fairfield County child.

The child, who was not yet vaccinated against measles, acquired the infection while traveling internationally, state health officials said Friday. DPH is collaborating with local partners to identify contacts and implement appropriate control measures.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread quickly among unvaccinated people. However, the majority of people exposed to measles are not at-risk of developing the disease since most people have either been vaccinated or have had measles in the past, before vaccination became routine, according to the news release from DPH.

"The single best way to protect yourself and your children from measles is to be vaccinated,” said DPH Acting Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford. "While the COVID-19 pandemic has been happening, some children have fallen behind on their immunizations. This measles case is an important reminder that these vaccine-preventable diseases still pose a threat, and that we must protect children through on-time vaccination."

Gifford is urging residents to become aware of their vaccination status, as well as the signs and symptoms of measles.

See also: Lamont: Here’s What Needs To Happen Before Bars Are Likely To Reopen

• Coronavirus Variants Spread As CT Races To Be Vaccinated
• Former Children’s Museum Director Indicted On Fed Child Porn Charge

Don't miss local and statewide news from all across Connecticut. Sign up for free Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

Symptoms of the disease generally begin 7-14 days after exposure to an infected person. A typical case of measles begins with mild to moderate fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and sore throat. Three to five days after the start of these symptoms, a red or reddish-brown rash appears, usually starting on a person's face at the hairline and spreading downward to the entire body. At the time the rash appears, a person's fever may spike to more than 104 degrees.

The rash typically lasts at least a few days and then disappears in the same order. People with measles may be contagious up to four days before the rash appears and for four days after the rash appears.

Most Connecticut residents have received the measles vaccine, according to DPH. One dose of measles vaccine is about 93 percent effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus. Two doses are about 97 percent effective. Two doses of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine are required to attend schools and colleges in Connecticut, unless the student has received an exemption. Exposed individuals who are not vaccinated against measles must stay out of school, or other high-risk settings, for a full 21 days after their last known exposure.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12-through 15-months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.

Adults should have at least one dose of MMR vaccine, according to CDC guidelines. Certain groups need two doses of MMR, including: college students, health care workers, international travelers, and persons at high risk for measles complications. Adults born in the U.S. before 1957 are considered immune to measles from past exposures, but in situations where exposure to measles is likely, these adults may benefit from a dose of MMR vaccine to be safer.

As of March 5, 2021, there have been no measles cases reported in the U.S. From January 1 to December 31, 2020, 13 individual cases of measles were confirmed in the U.S.