NH DHHS Identifies New Hampshire Resident with Measles

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) has confirmed a measles infection in an unvaccinated New Hampshire resident. The infection is likely the result of exposure to an international traveler with measles who visited Hanover, New Hampshire in late June. It follows another confirmed infection in Vermont that is also linked to the international traveler. The total number of individuals associated with this measles cluster is three. 

The New Hampshire resident visited several public places when they were infectious and could have transmitted measles to people who are not immune (i.e. not previously infected or fully vaccinated), people with weakened immune systems who may have lowered protection from vaccination, or infants who have not yet received the vaccine. Anyone who was at the following locations on the specified dates and within the identified time frames may have been exposed:

• July 1, 1:30-3:30pm: Peppermint Patty’s, 25 Road Round the Lake, Grantham
• July 1, 5:30-11:30pm: Sierra Trading Post, 200 S Main Street, West Lebanon
• July 3, 9:00-11:30am: Dartmouth Co-op, 21 S Main Street, Hanover
• July 5, 9:00am-12:30pm: Dartmouth Co-op, 21 S Main Street, Hanover
• July 5, 11:45am-6:00pm: ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care waiting room, 410 Miracle Mile, Lebanon
• July 6, 8:00-10:30am: ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care waiting room, 410 Miracle Mile, Lebanon
• July 6, 9:30am-July 7, 1am: Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Emergency Department, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon

The Department encourages anyone who visited the above locations during the specified dates and times to review their measles vaccination or immunity status. Anyone who is not protected against measles from vaccination or previous infection or is unsure about their immunity status should contact DPHS at 603-271-4496 as soon as possible. 

Depending on the date of potential exposure, individuals who are not protected and susceptible to measles may benefit from preventative treatment (vaccination or measles antibody injection) to lower their risk of developing measles. People who are severely immunocompromised, even if previously vaccinated against measles, may benefit from preventative antibody treatment because vaccination may not be as effective in these individuals. Please contact your healthcare provider to determine if treatment is recommended.  

“Measles is a highly contagious but preventable disease,” said Dr. Benjamin Chan, NH State Epidemiologist. “The 2-dose measles vaccine provides lifelong protection in most people, and it is the best protection against measles and complications of infection. Anybody who is not vaccinated is strongly encouraged to talk with their healthcare provider about completing the vaccine series.” 

Measles is passed from person to person through the air when someone with the infection sneezes, coughs, or talks. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area. Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years old. Symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes several days before developing a body rash. To prevent the possibility of spreading the virus, anyone who develops these symptoms should call their healthcare provider before going directly to a healthcare facility. 

Anyone with questions or concerns about this confirmed infection can contact DPHS at 603-271-4496. To learn more about measles, please visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.