State health officials say there has been a third case of measles in Connecticut.
The most recent case was in an adult in Hartford County and the Connecticut Department of Public Health said this person did not have contact with the two young children from New Haven County who contracted the measles while traveling outside the United States.
The warning from the state Department of Public Health comes soon after Southington Superintendent Timothy Connellan sent out a letter that said someone with a case of measles may have exposed others at Derynoski Elementary School on April 26, 27 and 30.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread quickly among unvaccinated people, according to health officials.
However, most people who are exposed to measles are not at-risk of developing the disease since most people have either been vaccinated or have had measles in the past, before vaccination became routine.
“Cases of measles, while not widespread in the United States, are not uncommon and measles is circulating throughout the country and internationally. The single best way to protect yourself and your children from measles is to be vaccinated,” Department of Public Health 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.”
Learn more about measles on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
