Connecticut Department of Public Health confirms third case of measles in 2026, highest number of cases since 2019
HARTFORD, Conn. –— The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced a confirmed third case of measles in 2026. The case involves a Hartford County adult who recently returned to Connecticut after international travel. Testing was conducted today at the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL).
This individual was admitted to the hospital with symptoms including high fever and later developed a rash. Their vaccination status is unknown. This is the third case of measles reported in Connecticut in 2026.
Nationwide, 2,777 cases of measles have been reported this year as of August 20, according to the CDC, the highest annual total since 1991. The CDC reports that 94 percent of this year's cases are outbreak-associated and that approximately 93 percent 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."
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread quickly through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. According to the CDC, 9 out of 10 unvaccinated individuals who encounter an infected person will become infected with the measles virus. Measles can be dangerous, especially for children under the age of five. About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles end up being hospitalized.
Symptoms of measles generally begin 7-14 days after exposure to an infected person. A typical case of measles begins with mild to moderate fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and sore throat. Three to five days after the start of these symptoms, a red or reddish-brown rash appears, usually starting on a person’s face at the hairline and spreading downward to the entire body. At the time the rash appears, a person’s fever may spike to more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
DPH, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and several other reputable public health and medical societies recommend all people get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 18 months old, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. According to the 2025-2026 Statewide School Immunization Survey, 98.6 percent of Connecticut students were vaccinated with 2 doses of MMR by kindergarten entry, compared to 92.4 percent nationally. Connecticut’s MMR vaccination rate is the second highest in the nation.
Residents who believe they may have been exposed should:
- Monitor for symptoms of measles (fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and rash) for 21 days following possible exposure.
- Call their healthcare provider before visiting in person if symptoms develop to allow the provider to prepare and prevent exposing others.
- Check their MMR vaccination status in CT WiZ or with their healthcare provider, and get vaccinated if they are not up to date.
Resources
For more information on measles and MMR vaccination, visit ct.gov/dph or call 2-1-1 Connecticut.
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