Officials confirm 2 cases of measles

HARTFORD — The Department of Public Health issued a warning Tuesday after confirming two cases of measles in New Haven County, according to a press release.

The two infected individuals are children younger than one year old who live in the same household, traveled internationally and acquired their infections outside of the country, the release said. DPH is collaborating with local partners to identify contacts and implement control measures. Any exposures occurred within New Haven County between April 11 and 17, the release said. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread quickly among unvaccinated people, but most of those who are exposed to measles are not at risk, because they are either vaccinated or have had measles in the past, the DPH said.

“The single best way to protect yourself and your children from measles is to be vaccinated,” DPH Commissioner Dr. Raul Pino said in a statement. “While most people have had the measles vaccination, it’s important to know your vaccination status and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles so you can get medical attention.”

Symptoms of measles usually begin seven to 14 days after a person is exposed. A typical case of measles begins with a mild to moderate fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a sore throat. Three to five days after the start of these symptoms, a red or reddishbrown 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 Fahrenheit, the state said.

The rash typically lasts at least a few days and then disappears. People with measles may be contagious up to fours days before and after the rash appears, according to the release.

Most Connecticut residents have been vaccinated. Individuals who are unsure of their vaccination status are encouraged to check with their physicians. People who have had measles in the past or who have been vaccinated against measles are considered immune, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC recommends all children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months, and the second between 4 and 6 years of age, the release said.

Adults should have at least one dose of MMR vaccine, with certain groups — such as college students, health care workers, international travelers and people at high risk for measles complications — needing two doses. Adults born in the United States 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, officials stated. International travelers should be up-to-date on their vaccinations. Most cases of measles are acquired or linked to international travel. Most of those diagnosed with measles are not vaccinated or did not know their immunization status, the release said.

Measles is very easily spread from person to person. If an individual has a fever and a rash and suspects measles, he or she should avoid public settings and call a physician before going directly to a health care facility, the release said.

For information, visit portal.ct.gov/dph.

Hearst Connecticut Media file photo A family physician prepares a measles vaccine during a consultation.