Granite State Child Diagnosed With Measles: NH DHHS

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health Services has issued an alert about a child that has been diagnosed with measles and the public locations this child was in during the past week. During the child’s infectious period, it was in a nursery and mingling during a coffee hour from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 12, 2019, at the United Church of Christ at 23 Central Square in Keene. The child was also in the infant-toddler room at the Keene Montessori School on 125 Railroad St. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, and the walk-in clinic at Cheshire Medical Center at 149 Emerald St. in Keene from 1 to 5 p.m. on May 16.

Anyone at those locations during those specific dates and times needs to review their measles vaccination or immunity status immediately. The source of the infection is still under investigation, according to Jake Leon, the director of communications for the NH DHHS.

“Measles is a very contagious disease that can be spread through the air, but the vaccine for measles is very safe and effective. Anybody that believes they may have been exposed at one of the listed locations and is not vaccinated or immune should call the NH Division of Public Health Services,” said Dr. Benjamin Chan, state epidemiologist, in a statement. “Vaccination within 72-hours of exposure can help prevent disease, but people may still benefit from vaccination even after this time period. For those who are not able to receive the vaccine due to medical reasons, there are other available treatments that can help prevent disease.”

Measles is a virus that is transferred between people when someone with the disease sneezes, coughs, or talks. It can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. The incubation period for the illness is usually seven to 21 days.

A public hotline is available seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 603-271-9461, or toll-free for New Hampshire residents at 1-800-852-3345, Ext. 9461. For more info about measles prevention, download the DHHS Measles Fact Sheet at www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/documents/measles.pdf, visit the DHHS Immunization Program webpage at www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/immunization/index.htm, and visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.