The Connecticut Department ofPublic Health has confirmed a case of measles in New Haven County, the first confirmed case this year in the state.
Health officials said the patient is an adult.
Measles is highly contagious and can spread quickly if you are not vaccinated.
Vaccination is required to attend schools and colleges in Connecticut, but medical and religious exemptions are available. Health officials said the measles vaccine is very effective and two doses, which is the standard recommendation, are about 97 percent effective.
In 2018, there were three confirmed cases of measles in Connecticut.
“Cases of measles, while not widespread in the United States, are not uncommon and measles is circulating in the United States and internationally. Currently there are ongoing measles outbreaks in the United States in New York and the Pacific Northwest. The single best way to protect yourself and your children from measles is to be vaccinated,” said DPH Commissioner Dr. Raul Pino in a press release.
Symptoms of measles generally start showing a week to 21 days after exposure. Typical symptoms begin with mild to moderate fever, runny nose, red eyes and a sore throat. Three to five days after that, a red or reddish-brown rash appears, usually starting on the face and spreading down.
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The rash typically lasts a few days. Someone with measles may be contagious up to four days before the rash appears and for four days after the rash appears.
If you think you might have measles, you should avoid public and contact your doctor before going into the office to avoid exposing others.
For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
