A multi-state measles outbreak has prompted urgent warnings from public health officials after five cases were confirmed, including two in New Hampshire and one in Vermont. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services issued an alert on Thursday, detailing potential exposure at three specific locations earlier this month. The alert comes as the highly contagious disease continues to spread, causing concern among health experts and residents alike.
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (NH DHHS) warned that people who visited Baked and Brewed Café in Alton, Texas Roadhouse in Concord, and the Common Man in Merrimack on July 5 and 6 might have been exposed to measles. The person linked to these exposures is an out-of-state traveler who visited the mentioned locations while infectious. This individual is part of a broader outbreak traced back to an international traveler diagnosed late last month.
"Today's alert is critical for public awareness and immediate action," NH DHHS said in a statement. "We urge anyone who visited these locations during the specified times to monitor for symptoms and contact health authorities if they have not been vaccinated."
Massachusetts health officials have also reported their first confirmed measles case in four years, diagnosed in an adult who recently traveled internationally. While it remains unclear if this case is directly linked to the New Hampshire and Vermont outbreak, the proximity of the events raises concerns.
The outbreak's origins can be traced to an international traveler who visited Hanover, N.H., and several local businesses, including Dartmouth College. The traveler then took a Dartmouth Coach bus to Boston Logan Airport on June 22, exposing other passengers and individuals in Terminal E. By June 28, New Hampshire officials confirmed the traveler's measles diagnosis and issued initial warnings.
On July 9, officials in Vermont and New Hampshire announced that one resident from each state had contracted measles, likely from exposure in the Hanover area. This brought the total to three cases, which has since grown to five. The outbreak's spread underscores the highly contagious nature of measles and the importance of vaccination.
"Individuals who have received two doses of the measles vaccine are close to 100 percent protected and have almost lifelong immunity," explained Dr. David Hamer, a professor of global health and medicine at Boston University. "However, those with weakened immune systems or those who have not been vaccinated, including infants too young to receive the vaccine, remain highly susceptible."
Symptoms of measles typically include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by a body rash. The disease can lead to severe complications, especially in vulnerable populations.
The current outbreak is part of a broader resurgence of measles in the United States and Europe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 13 measles outbreaks in the U.S. so far this year, a significant increase from four in all of 2023. European health officials have similarly warned that 2024 cases are on track to surpass all recorded cases in 2023, with over half requiring hospitalization, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
In response to the outbreak, NH DHHS has published a full list of potential exposure sites on their website. Individuals who were at these locations and are not protected against measles are urged to contact New Hampshire's Division of Public Health Services immediately and watch for symptoms.
"The resurgence of measles is a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination," stated Dr. Hamer. "Public health efforts must focus on increasing immunization rates and ensuring that individuals are aware of potential exposures."
As the outbreak continues to unfold, public health officials emphasize the need for vigilance and prompt reporting of symptoms. The interconnected nature of modern travel and the high contagion rate of measles make swift action essential in preventing further spread.
For now, communities in New Hampshire, Vermont, and beyond are on high alert, with health agencies working tirelessly to contain the outbreak and protect public health.
