The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services confirmed Thursday that someone with measles from out of state visited New Hampshire while they were infectious. Health officials said that person was exposed to an international traveler who also had the illness.This person could have transmitted measles to people who are not immune — meaning they either have not been previously infected or they have not been fully vaccinated. People with weakened immune systems and infants who have not yet received the measles vaccine are also at risk.>> More details: DHHS information about the 2024 measles outbreakEarlier Thursday, health officials released a timeline and list of places in New Hampshire where the infected person visited. Later Thursday evening, health officials released this revised timeline:July 6 from 1 to 5 p.m.: Texas Roadhouse on Loudon Road in ConcordJuly 7 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Baked and Brewed Café on Suncook Valley Road in AltonJuly 7 from 3 to 6 p.m.: The Common Man on Daniel Webster Highway in MerrimackHealth officials are asking that anyone who is not protected or is unsure if they are who also visited any of those locations during those specific times and dates to contact the Division of Public Health Services at 603-271-4496.>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<Health officials said this newest infection is the fifth linked to a multi-state outbreak of measles. Symptoms of measles could be anything from having a high fever, to a cough, runny nose or having watery eyes several days before developing a body rash. Doctors say that being vaccinated is the best protection against measles. “Given the rates of vaccination in the community, I would take this as a warning that we will likely see something like this again, and we want to make sure we are protecting as many people as possible, and this is particularly true in children,” Dr. Michael Calderwood, of Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, said. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, measles is highly contagious. If just one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people who happen to be nearby will become infected if they aren’t protected. People can even get it by being in a room where someone with measles has previously been.New Hampshire epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said measles can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after someone leaves a space. “The period of time when someone with measles can spread it to other people starts from four days before rash onset until four days after the rash has appeared,” Chan said. Both doctors said there is a chance more cases could be identified, but Chan assures that New Hampshire’s level of immunity is typically high. Through contact tracing, public notices, and encouraging vaccines, they are working to stop the measles from spreading. “We don’t expect that this is going to turn into a large, widespread community outbreak,” Chan said. >> Previous coverage:July 9, 2024: Measles case linked to international traveler confirmed in New Hampshire residentJune 29, 2024: State officials investigating possible measles exposure after international traveler tests positive
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services confirmed Thursday that someone with measles from out of state visited New Hampshire while they were infectious.
Health officials said that person was exposed to an international traveler who also had the illness.
This person could have transmitted measles to people who are not immune — meaning they either have not been previously infected or they have not been fully vaccinated. People with weakened immune systems and infants who have not yet received the measles vaccine are also at risk.
>> More details: DHHS information about the 2024 measles outbreak
Earlier Thursday, health officials released a timeline and list of places in New Hampshire where the infected person visited. Later Thursday evening, health officials released this revised timeline:
- July 6 from 1 to 5 p.m.: Texas Roadhouse on Loudon Road in Concord
- July 7 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Baked and Brewed Café on Suncook Valley Road in Alton
- July 7 from 3 to 6 p.m.: The Common Man on Daniel Webster Highway in Merrimack
Health officials are asking that anyone who is not protected or is unsure if they are who also visited any of those locations during those specific times and dates to contact the Division of Public Health Services at 603-271-4496.
>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<
Health officials said this newest infection is the fifth linked to a multi-state outbreak of measles.
Symptoms of measles could be anything from having a high fever, to a cough, runny nose or having watery eyes several days before developing a body rash.
Doctors say that being vaccinated is the best protection against measles.
“Given the rates of vaccination in the community, I would take this as a warning that we will likely see something like this again, and we want to make sure we are protecting as many people as possible, and this is particularly true in children,” Dr. Michael Calderwood, of Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, measles is highly contagious. If just one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people who happen to be nearby will become infected if they aren’t protected. People can even get it by being in a room where someone with measles has previously been.
New Hampshire epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said measles can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after someone leaves a space.
“The period of time when someone with measles can spread it to other people starts from four days before rash onset until four days after the rash has appeared,” Chan said.
Both doctors said there is a chance more cases could be identified, but Chan assures that New Hampshire’s level of immunity is typically high.
Through contact tracing, public notices, and encouraging vaccines, they are working to stop the measles from spreading.
“We don’t expect that this is going to turn into a large, widespread community outbreak,” Chan said.
>> Previous coverage:
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#Person #measles #visited #places #Alton #Concord #Merrimack