Measles

Cases of measles, a highly infectious disease, are on the rise both internationally and in the United States. Most of these cases have been among children and adolescents who have not received a measles vaccine or whose vaccination history was unknown. Measles spreads quickly and can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years old. Severe measles can lead to hospitalization and even death.

As measles cases and hospitalizations increase, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging all residents to verify their vaccination status: https://portal.ct.gov/dph/newsroom/press-releases—2025/measles-vaccination

As of April 17, 2025, there were no cases of measles reported in Connecticut. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was notified of 607 confirmed U.S. cases of measles in 22 jurisdictions between January 1 and April 4, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/.

Signs and Symptoms of Measles

Measles, also known as rubeola after the virus that causes it, can present in a variety of ways:

High fever (may spike to more than 104°F)
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
Tiny white spots inside of mouth (Koplik spots)
Rash – often starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body. Appears as small, red, raised bumps that may join together to form blotchy patches.

Ways to Prevent Measles

Vaccination is the best prevention. The measles vaccine is part of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) series, and is part of the routine vaccines recommended for children. https://portal.ct.gov/immunization/measles?language=en_US

The MMR Vaccine is:

97% effective after two doses
Protects those who cannot get vaccinated (infants and immunocompromised individuals)

Children should be vaccinated with 2 doses:

First dose at 12 to 15 months of age
Second dose at 4 to 6 years of age

Where to get the Measles Vaccine:
Adults who need the MMR vaccine can contact their primary care provider, community health center, local health department, or visit EasyVax.com or Vaccines.gov to find a local pharmacy that will administer the vaccine. All children younger than 18 are eligible to receive MMR vaccine through the Connecticut Vaccine Program (CVP). For help finding a health care provider for a child, view the CVP Provider List. Anyone with questions regarding the Connecticut Vaccine Program can call 860-509-7929 or email dph.immunizations@ct.gov

Visit the 211 website, 211ct.org, for a list of immunization programs across the state. To find a site in your community that provides a vaccination, put in a city or town in the location box – https://www.211ct.org/search?page=1&location=Connecticut&taxonomy_code=3157&service_area=connecticut

Tips for Traveling

To prevent measles while traveling, ensure you and your family are fully vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine AT LEAST 2 weeks before departure. For infants under 12 months old who are traveling, follow up with your doctor for guidance.
Do not travel if you are sick. Call your doctor immediately if you think you or your child have been exposed to measles.
After traveling, watch your health for three weeks after you return. Call your doctor immediately if you or your child gets sick with a rash and fever. Tell your doctor about any travel and whether you have received the MMR vaccine.

For More Information About Measles
See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for weekly updates on measles cases and outbreaks: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/

View a fact sheet on measles from the Connecticut Department of Public Health https://portal.ct.gov/immunization/measles?language=en_US

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SOURCES: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Connecticut Department of Public Health; Meriden Department of Health and Human Services
PREPARED BY: 211/jm
CONTENT LAST MODIFIED: May2025