HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) – Connecticut has its third measles case of 2026. The Department of Public Health confirmed the case Monday.
The patient is a Hartford County adult who recently traveled internationally, according to DPH. The person was hospitalized with a high fever and later developed a rash. Their vaccination status isn’t known.
Nationally, the CDC has tracked 2,777 measles cases so far this year as of Aug. 20, the highest annual total since 1991. About 93% of patients nationally were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
“This case is a reminder that measles remains a real risk for unvaccinated travelers, particularly to parts of the world where measles is still circulating widely,” said Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97 percent effective at preventing infection. If you are planning international travel, especially with infants or unvaccinated family members, please check your MMR vaccination status and talk to your healthcare provider well before you leave.”
DPH recommends anyone who thinks they’ve been exposed watch for symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and rash, for 21 days after possible exposure, and call a health care provider before showing up in person if symptoms develop. Residents can check their MMR vaccination status through CT WiZ or a health care provider and get vaccinated if not up to date.
More information is available at ct.gov/dph or by calling 2-1-1 Connecticut.
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