More Measles Detected In Rhode Island

A second person infected with measles in Rhode Island has been identified this year.

The second case, a woman in her 20s, is unrelated to the first, a man in his 40s, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health.

The woman had "traveled from outside the country to visit family in Rhode Island," the department said in a media release.

Related: Rhode Island's 1st Measles Case In 2026 A Providence Man In His 40s: RIDOH

"This person was treated at Brown University Health Urgent Care in Middletown on April 24 and tested positive for measles at the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories," the release said. "This person did not require hospitalization."

Brown University Health and the state department of health were "coordinating on outreach to the people who may have had contact with this patient at the urgent care center," according to the release.

"This patient did not report visiting any other locations since arriving in Rhode Island," the release said. "However, anyone who could have been exposed and begins to develop symptoms of measles should call their healthcare professional before visiting an office, clinic, or emergency department."

See also: Severe Stomach Virus On The Rise In RI: What To Know

The first patient returned from international travel April 13, according to the department of health.

"He went to Atmed Treatment Center on April 15, and he was tested for measles," the health department said.

The man was recovering at his home following his diagnosis, according to the department.

See also: ER Visits For Tick Bites At Highest Level In A Decade: What To Know In RI

Before the man's case was identified, the last incidence of measles in Rhode Island was in January 2025.

Measles is highly contagious. Symptoms typically appear a week to three weeks after exposure to the virus. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, white spots inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek, and a rash made up of large, flat blotches.

Measles is almost entirely preventable through vaccination, and about 97% of Rhode Island kindergarteners have completed the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, or MMR vaccine series, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, according to the release.

See also: Drug-Resistant Stomach Bug On The Rise: What To Know In RI

"The chance of significant spread of measles in Rhode Island is very low because we have such a high MMR vaccination rate," Dr. Jerry Larkin, the state's director of health, said in the release.

"But that degree of community protection depends on everyone who is eligible getting vaccinated," Larkin said.

See also: Severe Tick-Borne Meat, Dairy Allergy Disease On Rise Across RI: What You Need To Know