A case of measles has been confirmed in a New Hampshire resident, and health officials said it was linked to an international traveler who visited the state in June. The Department of Health and Human Services said the resident who tested positive for measles visited several locations in the state while contagious, potentially exposing others to the virus. DHHS said the international traveler tested positive for measles after returning home from a visit to Hanover in late June. A confirmed case in Vermont has also been linked to the traveler, DHHS said. Health officials said the New Hampshire resident had not been vaccinated against measles. Officials said other unvaccinated individuals, people with weakened immune systems and infants too young to be vaccinated who came into contact with the resident are at risk of infection. Officials released locations and times when exposure to the resident may have occurred: July 1, 1:30-3:30 p.m.: Peppermint Patty’s, 25 Road Round the Lake, Grantham July 1, 5:30-11:30 p.m.: Sierra Trading Post, 200 S Main Street, West Lebanon July 3, 9:00-11:30 a.m.: Dartmouth Co-op, 21 S Main Street, Hanover July 5, 9:00-12:30 p.m.: Dartmouth Co-op, 21 S Main Street, Hanover July 5, 11:45 a.m.-6:00 p.m.: ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care Waiting Room, 410 Miracle Mile, Lebanon July 6, 8:00-10:30 a.m.: ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care Waiting Room, 410 Miracle Mile, Lebanon July 6, 9:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m. 1 a.m.: Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Emergency Department, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon Anyone in those locations at those times who is not vaccinated, has never had measles before, or is unsure of their immunity status was asked to contact the Department of Public Health Services as soon as possible at 603-271-4496. >> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play
A New Hampshire resident has been diagnosed with measles, with health officials blaming an international traveler who visited the state in June.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the resident who tested positive for measles visited several locations in the state while contagious, potentially exposing others to the virus.
DHHS said the international traveler tested positive for measles after returning home from a visit to Hanover in late June. A confirmed case in Vermont has also been linked to the traveler, DHHS said.
Health officials said the New Hampshire resident had not been vaccinated against measles. Officials said other unvaccinated people, people with weakened immune systems and infants too young to be vaccinated who came into contact with the resident were at risk of infection.
Officials have released locations and times where the resident may have been exposed:
- July 1, 1:30-3:30pm: Peppermint Patty’s, 25 Road Round the Lake, Grantham
- July 1, 5:30-11:30 p.m.: Sierra Trading Post, 200 S Main Street, West Lebanon
- July 3, 9-11:30am: Dartmouth Co-op, 21 S Main Street, Hanover
- July 5, 9am-12:30pm: Dartmouth Co-op, 21 S Main Street, Hanover
- July 5, 11:45am-6pm: ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care Waiting Room, 410 Miracle Mile, Lebanon
- July 6, 8:00-10:30am: ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care Waiting Room, 410 Miracle Mile, Lebanon
- July 6, 9:30am – July 7, 1am: Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Emergency Department, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon
Anyone currently in those locations who is not vaccinated, has never had measles before, or is unsure of their immunity status is asked to contact the Department of Public Health Services as soon as possible at 603-271-4496.
>> Download the free WMUR app to receive updates on the go: Apple | Google Play
Depending on the date of potential exposure, individuals who are not protected and are susceptible to measles may benefit from preventive treatment, including vaccination or injection with measles antibodies, to reduce their risk of developing measles, officials said.
People who are severely immunocompromised, even if they have been previously vaccinated against measles, may benefit from preventive antibody treatment because vaccination may not be as effective for them. Officials said those people should contact their health care provider to see if treatment is recommended.
“Measles is a highly contagious but preventable disease,” said Dr. Benjamin Chan, the state epidemiologist. “The two-dose measles vaccine provides lifelong protection for most people, and it is the best protection against measles and complications from infection. Anyone who is not vaccinated is strongly encouraged to talk to their health care provider about completing the vaccination series.”
Measles is spread from person to person through the air when someone with the infection sneezes, coughs, or talks. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area. Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children under 5 years of age.
Symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes, several days before a rash develops. To prevent the possibility of spreading the virus, health officials said anyone who develops such symptoms should call their health care provider before going directly to a healthcare facility.