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Vermont Reports First Measles Case Since 2019

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. rmont-reports-first-measles-case-since-2019.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 14:52 GMT by WCAX3
      Locales: Vermont, UNITED STATES

MIDDLEBURY, VT (WCAS) - Vermont health officials have confirmed the state's first case of measles in Washington County since 2019, triggering a renewed call for vaccination and heightened vigilance against the highly contagious viral disease. The case, announced earlier today, marks a potential shift in Vermont's previously stable measles landscape and raises concerns about the potential for wider outbreaks, particularly given declining vaccination rates nationally.

The infected individual is currently isolated, and the Vermont Department of Health is actively tracing contacts to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed. This process is critical in containing the spread, but experts emphasize that proactive prevention through vaccination remains the most effective strategy.

Measles, a disease once declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, is experiencing a worrying resurgence globally and, increasingly, within the US. This isn't simply a return of an old disease; it's a symptom of a broader erosion of public health infrastructure and a growing hesitancy towards vaccines, fuelled by misinformation and distrust. The highly contagious nature of measles - spread through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes - means that even a single case can quickly snowball into a significant outbreak.

Dr. Amy Walsh, Vermont's Health Commissioner, stressed the importance of vaccination. "Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles," she stated. "We urge anyone unsure of their vaccination status to get tested or receive the vaccine." The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective, providing approximately 97% protection after two doses. However, achieving and maintaining high vaccination coverage rates - around 95% of the population - is crucial for herd immunity, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants too young to receive the MMR vaccine or individuals with certain medical conditions.

The Department of Health has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the recent case, including the exact location of the individual's recent travel outside of Vermont. This is standard procedure to protect patient privacy, but it also underscores the potential for imported cases to reintroduce the virus into communities with lower vaccination rates. The last confirmed case in Vermont occurred in Rutland County in 2019, highlighting the relatively long period of protection the state had enjoyed. However, the global situation and recent trends suggest that this period of reprieve may be coming to an end.

Symptoms of measles typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes - often referred to as the "three C's." These are followed by a characteristic rash that usually appears on the face and spreads throughout the body. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should immediately contact their healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and supportive care can help minimize the severity of the illness, but complications can be serious, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and even death.

The resurgence of measles isn't limited to Vermont. States across the nation are reporting an increase in cases, linked to both imported infections and declining vaccination rates. This trend is particularly concerning as the US struggles to maintain the level of immunity needed to prevent large-scale outbreaks. Public health experts are urging a renewed focus on vaccine education and outreach, addressing concerns and dispelling misinformation that contribute to vaccine hesitancy.

Vermont, traditionally a state with high vaccination rates, has seen a slight decline in MMR coverage in recent years, mirroring national trends. While still above the threshold for herd immunity, this dip is enough to cause concern and necessitates proactive measures to protect the population. The Health Department is planning a series of public awareness campaigns and vaccination clinics to address the issue. They also urge residents to check their family's vaccination records and schedule appointments if necessary. The arrival of measles in Washington County serves as a stark reminder that even eradicated or controlled diseases can return if vigilance wanes and vaccination rates decline.