HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio)_ The Connecticut Department of Public Health confirms a case of measles in a child who lives in Fairfield County.
Officials say the child was not yet vaccinated against measles and contracted the virus while traveling internationally.
DPH is collaborating with local partners to identify contacts and implement appropriate control measures.
“The single best way to protect yourself and your children from measles is to be vaccinated,” said DPH Acting Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford. “While the COVID-19 pandemic has been happening, some children have fallen behind on their immunizations."
Officials remind the virus is highly contagious among non-vaccinated people.
Symptoms of measles generally begin 7-14 days after exposure to an infected person. A typical case of measles begins with mild to moderate fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and sore throat.
Three to five days after the start of these symptoms, a red or reddish-brown 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 says most residents have had at least one dose of a Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine.
