Health officials confirm measles case in Vermont

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – The Vermont Department of Health has confirmed a case of measles in the state. The case is in a person in Vermont who is part of an international group program.

It’s the state’s first confirmed case of measles since 2018.

The Health Department says it was informed on April 10 by the Georgia State Public Health Department that the group had been exposed to a traveler with measles after their flight into Atlanta.

Vermont health officials say despite how contagious measles is the risk to the public is low, but it’s possible someone may have been exposed if they were staying at the same hotel as the group.

They say if you were inside the Hampton Inn in Colchester on April 17 before 3:45 p.m. you should monitor for symptoms and confirm you’re vaccinated for measles. Contact the health department for more guidance if you were there and haven’t been vaccinated against it.

There’s no treatment for measles but health officials say it’s almost entirely preventable with a vaccine. It’s spread through coughing and sneezing, and it can stay in the air for hours after a person leaves. It can spread for several days before a person sees the telltale rash. Click here for information on the symptoms.