Manchester, New Hampshire – A case of measles has been confirmed in a New Hampshire resident, with health officials tracing the source back to an international traveler who visited the state in June. The Department of Health and Human Services announced that the infected resident had visited various locations in the state while contagious, potentially exposing others to the virus.
According to DHHS, the international traveler tested positive for measles upon returning home from a trip to Hanover in late June. A confirmed case in Vermont has also been linked to this traveler. Health officials emphasized that the New Hampshire resident had not been vaccinated for measles, highlighting the risks for unvaccinated individuals, those with weakened immune systems, and young infants.
DHHS released a list of locations and times where potential exposure to the infected resident might have occurred. Anyone who was at these locations and times, particularly those who are unvaccinated, had never contracted measles before, or are unsure of their immunity status, was urged to contact the Division of Public Health Services promptly for further guidance.
Officials also mentioned that individuals who were not protected and susceptible to measles due to potential exposure might benefit from preventative treatment, including vaccination or measles antibody injection. This was especially crucial for those who are severely immunocompromised, as vaccination might not provide sufficient protection for them. Dr. Benjamin Chan, the state epidemiologist, stressed the importance of vaccination as the best defense against measles and its complications.
The last recorded case of measles in New Hampshire dates back to 2019. Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air via coughing, sneezing, or talking. Health officials cautioned that the virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. Young children are particularly vulnerable to serious health complications from measles.
Symptoms of measles typically include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes before the onset of a characteristic body rash. To prevent potential transmission of the virus, individuals experiencing these symptoms were advised to contact their healthcare provider before seeking direct medical attention. It is crucial for unvaccinated individuals to discuss completing the measles vaccine series with their healthcare providers to protect themselves and others from the disease.