Updated

Updated · WPTZ · Nov 9

Vermont Confirms Measles Cases in Orleans County as Hospital Screens Visitors Amid 94% Vaccination Rate

Updated

Updated · WPTZ · Nov 9

Vermont Confirms Measles Cases in Orleans County as Hospital Screens Visitors Amid 94% Vaccination Rate

Q: Measles lingers in the air for hours; how can residents protect themselves when the virus spreads days before symptoms even appear?

The best protection is to make sure you are immune now, because measles can spread before anyone realizes they are sick and can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective; one dose is about 93% effective. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, check with your doctor or state immunization records and get vaccinated if needed. If you think you were exposed, act quickly. Public health guidance says eligible people without immunity may still benefit from an MMR shot within 72 hours of exposure. High-risk people who cannot receive the vaccine, including some pregnant people, infants, and immunocompromised people, may need immune globulin within six days. Those without protection may be asked to quarantine through 21 days after their last exposure. Because people are contagious from about four days before the rash appears through four days after, residents should monitor for fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, mouth spots, and then a rash that usually starts on the face and spreads downward. Symptoms usually begin 7 to 21 days after exposure. If symptoms develop or exposure is possible, stay home and call ahead before going to a clinic or hospital. Tell staff you may have measles so they can isolate you and avoid exposing others. In households, keep sick people away from infants, pregnant people without immunity, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

3 articles · Updated · WPTZ · Nov 9

A small number of connected measles cases were confirmed in Orleans County on Monday, prompting an active state investigation while officials said the broader public risk in Vermont remains low.
North Country Hospital in Newport began screening visitors after the health department alerted it to a potential local case; the state said patient identities will not be released.
Measles spreads through the air and can infect about 90% of non-immune people exposed, leading the state to offer testing, vaccination and health guidance to those involved.
Vermont says about 94% of schoolchildren are fully vaccinated before kindergarten, just below the 95% threshold for community immunity.
The cases come as measles has surged nationwide since 2024; Vermont previously recorded one case in February and isolated cases in 2025 and 2024.